The Impact of the Domestic Linen Industry in Ulster

The Impact of the Domestic Linen Industry in Ulster PDF

Author: W. H. Crawford

Publisher: Ulster Historical Foundation

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9781903688373

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The domestic linen industry left an indelible imprint on Ulster history. It was introduced by colonists from the north of England in the 17th century, before the arrival of the Huguenots, and encouraged by the landlords to improve their rentals. Earnings from raising flax, spinning yarn and weaving cloth, provided farming families with regular incomes that enabled them to lease small farms and improve marginal land. Continual improvements by Ulster bleachers in the finishing of linens secured for them control of the industry, focussing its development. Exports to Britain first through Dublin and then direct to Liverpool and London, created a merchant class and underpinned the development of Belfast and the provincial market towns. By 1800 Ulster was reckoned to be the most prosperous province in Ireland. It was also the most densely peopled with a population of two million in 1821, almost equal to that of Scotland.

Irish People, Irish Linen

Irish People, Irish Linen PDF

Author: Kathleen Curtis Wilson

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13:

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The story of Irish Linen is a story of the Irish men and women who made Irish linen a global product and an international brand. It is also a story of innovation and opportunity. Irish linen has served its makers as sailcloth of incredible strength and durability for world exploration and trade; it has functioned as watertight containers for farmers and firemen; it has soothed the brows of royalty and absorbed the sweat of the working class. As outerwear and underwear, linen has clothed men, women, and children from birth to death- the rich and powerful, poor and pitiful alike. Into this cultural history, the author weaves personal narratives and the words and songs of individual spinners, factory workers, and outworkers. Lavishly illustrated and engagingly written, each chapter tells of art, social and economic history, design, fashion, architecture, technology, and cultural traditions that celebrate the linen industry. -- from Book Jacket.