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Gannat, the history of the town

Published 21 February 2021

The discovery of worked flint tools shows that the area has been occupied since the Bronze Age. However, the growth of activity dates back to Gallo-Roman times, when the roads linking Bourges to Clermont and Vichy to Néris crossed at the site of the town.

Later, Gannat grew with the building of a motte castle in the 10th century, which attracted a first core of population and formed the origin of the town centre.

Gannat was then a viguerie (a local administrative district) under Auvergne.

Later, the town was granted permission to fortify itself, and a new parish took shape.

In 1236, the inhabitants obtained a charter of liberties from the Duke of Bourbon, Archambaud VIII. In the 15th century, the people of Gannat sided with the League of the Public Weal, and their town was stormed by royal troops in June 1464, in the presence of Louis XI.

In 1568, the town, which sided with the Catholics, was taken by the Protestants. The 18th century was first marked by a whole series of rebuilding works. The Revolution found many supporters among the town's inhabitants.

Economically, this cantonal seat took off in the 19th century with the arrival of several industries and the creation of the railway network.

Source: Patrimoine des communes de l'Allier, Éditions Flohic, 1999