ROMORANTIN  , a

town of central France, capital of an arrondissement in the department of Loir-et-Cher, 31 M . S.E. of Blois by rail . Pop . (1906) town, 6836; commune, 8374 . The town is situated on the Sauldre at its confluence with the Morantin, whence its name (Rivus Morantini) . A church dating mainly from the 12th century, a gateway of the 16th century and some old houses are the chief objects of interest . The remains of a chateau rebuilt by Francis I. in the Renaissance style are used as the sub-prefecture . Tribunals of first instance and of commerce, and a communal college are among the public institutions . The manufacture of flannel and cloth especially for army clothing is carried on, together with trade in wine, live stock, agricultural produce and the asparagus of the vicinity . In 156o Romorantin gave its name to an edict which prevented the introduction of the Inquisition into France . The industrial importance of the town dates from the later middle ages .