Yesterday...

Although relics remain from Gallo-Roman times, the history of Noisy dates back mostly to the 12th century. Originally belonging to the Chartres diocese, the Noisy and the surrounding area changed hands on several occasions throughout midieval times.

The sixteenth century should be considered as the age of glory of Noisy.In 1568, Noisy and its area were acquired by Guillaume Poyet, a member of the Paris Parliament. Emprisoned for political reasons, Poyet lost title to the land, which was then given by King François 1er to Anne de Pisseleu. The next king, Henri II, gave it to his favorite, Diane de Poitiers.

In 1568 Albert de Gondi, Counsellor to Queen Catherine de Medecis acquired the town and its surrounding areas. He decided to construct a castle at the edge of the forest. He annexed the village church and had a new one built within the town.

Throughout the following century, the town and its castle became the antechamber to the French monarchy, with visits from illustrious members of the Royal Family.

In 1656, Gondi's heirs sold the castle to Francois Bossuet, who, due to poor finances was forced by order of the court, to sell it. King Louis XIV acquired the property to enlargen his Versailles estate. The nearby forest became royal hunting grounds.

In 1686, Louis XIV placed the castle at Madame de Maintenon's disposal to establish a boarding school for daughters of disherited nobles. One hundred pupils lived there. A few years later, the school was relocated to nearby Saint Cyr, and the castle, uninhabited, began its decline.

Louis XV handed over the castle to Monsieur Leroy in 1732, with instructions to demolish it at his own expense. All that was to remain after demolition was the entrance gate, La Porte de Gondi. Stones from the castle were used to erect a manor, and the gardens were developed lavishly. The manor still stands, and the former gardens, purchased by the City Council, have become a public rose garden.

Upon the French Revolution in 1789, in order to bring uniformity to administration in place of the chatotic and feudal one, the French territory was reorganized and the notions of towns, cities and departments (counties) took form. Noisy-le-Roi became a town and a City Council governed by a mayor was elected.Essentially a rural village, Noisy continued its development throughout the nineteenth century as the railway system developed throughout the Paris region. It surrounded Paris and joined all lines coming from the provinces to the Capital. A railway station was opened in Noisy, for the transport of passengers and produce cultivated in the Seine Valley and destined for the Paris wholesale market. The town center developed as well, with the construction of new roads as well as the present-day City Hall, built in 1886. Due to the development of automobile and bus transportation, however, the station was closed to passengers in 1938 and transport of goods ceased in 1960.

And today...

In the early 1960's, Noisy remained a rural village with a population of 950. An ambitious urban development program was established, resulting in the construction of apartment complexes and individual homes, as well as shops, schools and many other community services. By the 1990's, population had grown to over 8,000.

From a rural village to a modern, dynamic residential community, Noisy has been able to maintain a high standard of quality for its inhabitants. Our community has shown, and continues to show, a profound desire to look forward towards a promising future, while preserving our past.

Special thanks to Mr. Gérard Duthoit
for his contributions to the historical data of this text,
as well as to Mr. Ward Turner and the Noisy-le-Roi City Hall

Ward TURNER