(See map on next page)
ORIGIN AND MAIN HISTORICAL FACTS
Chantilly derives its name from that of the Gallo-Roman Cantilius, who was the first to establish himself in the locality. The Castle (a fortress during the Middle Ages) passed to the family of Montmorency in the fifteenth century and in the seventeenth to that of Condé. These two illustrious families brought Chantilly to a height of splendour which made it a rival of the royal residences.
In 1830 the Duc d'Aumale succeeded the last of the Condés and at his death (1897) bequeathed the domain, with the Condé Museum, which he had installed in the castle (see pp. [24]-[35]), to the 'Institut de France.'
The town itself, built in the seventeenth century, was for a long time dependent on the castle. In our day it has become a big centre for horse training and racing, the great race meetings in May, July and September attracting huge crowds.
CHANTILLY IN 1914-1916
The Germans, coming from Creil, entered Chantilly on September 3, 1914, and occupied it for several days. The mayor was at once seized as hostage but did not suffer the same tragic fate as the Mayor of Senlis. The troops were billeted at the castle (see p. [28]).
After the victory of the Marne, Chantilly became the seat of General Joffre's headquarters and remained so until the end of 1916.
