In 1846 there was a large community of British ex-patriots living and working in the lace industry in Calais, France. 

When Europe entered depression, the Laceworkers of Calais found themsleves either destitute or destined to be so.  As a community they sought assistance from the British government to emigrate to 'the colonies, preferably Canada' and found themselves on three boats headed for Australia.  One ship sailed to South Australia and two to NSW.

The Stubbs family were aboard the Fairlie.  Their story is just one of hundred of stories of the Lacemakers of Calais.