The first appearance of the linen industry of Ireland, as we
approach Belfast from the west, is observed at Portadown. Its
position on the Bann, with its water power, has enabled this
town, as well as the other places on the river, to secure and
maintain their due share in the linen manufacture. Factories
with their long chimneys begin to appear. The fields are richly
cultivated, and a general air of well-being pervades the
district. Lurgan is reached, so celebrated for its diapers; and
the fields there about are used as bleaching-greens. Then comes
Lisburn, a populous and thriving town, the inhabitants of which
are mostly engaged in their staple trade, the manufacture of
damasks. This was really the first centre of the linen trade.
Though Lord Strafford, during his government of Ireland,
encouraged the flax industry, by sending to Holland for
flax-seed, and inviting Flemish and French artisans to settle in
Ireland, it was not until the Huguenots, who had been banished
from France by the persecutions of Louis XIV., settled in Ireland
in such large numbers, that the manufacture became firmly
established. The Crommelins, the Goyers, and the Dupres, were
the real founders of this great branch of industry.[18]
As the traveller approaches Belfast, groups of houses, factories,
and works of various kinds, appear closer and closer; long
chimneys over boilers and steam-engines, and brick buildings
three or four stories high; large yards full of workmen, carts,
and lorries; and at length we are landed in the midst of a large
manufacturing town.
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