Wherever they settled they were missionaries of industry, and examples of perseverance and success in skilled labour, as well as integrity in commerce.

Many of those exiles settled in Lisburn, and the colony was subsequently joined by Louis Crommelin, a native of Armandcourt near St.Quentin, where for several centuries his forefathers had carried on the flaxen manufacture on their own extensive possessions in the province of Picardy.

Foreseeing the storm of persecution, the family had removed to Holland, and, at the personal request of the Prince of Orange, Louis came over to take charge of the colonies of his countrymen, which had been established in different parts of Ireland.

The linen trade had flourished in this country from the earliest times.

Linen formed, down to the reign of Elizabeth, almost the only dress of the population, from the king down--saffron-coloured, and worn in immense flowing robes, occasionally wrapped in various forms round the body.