Commercy dates back to the 9th century, and at that time its lords were dependent on thebishop of Metz. In 1544 it was besieged byCharles V in person. For some time the lordship was in the hands ofJean François Paul de Gondi, cardinal de Retz, who lived in the town for a number of years, and there composed his memoirs. From him it was purchased byCharles IV, Duke of Lorraine. In 1744 it became the residence ofStanisław Leszczyński, king of Poland, who spent a great deal of care on the embellishment of the town, castle and neighbourhood.[4]
Nicolas Alaidon (1738–1827), curé deToul, emigrated during theFrench Revolution, author of theJournal d'un prêtre pendant la Révolution[7] (24 October 1738 – 1827).
