Vermandois [key], region, N France, now in Somme and Aisne depts. The region is largely agricultural (wheat, beets) but has some industry (metallurgy, textiles, rubber) located principally at Saint-Quentin, the former capital. Vermandois became an earldom under Charlemagne (9th cent.), and its lords were among the most powerful in N France. The region was annexed to the French crown (c.1200), ceded to Burgundy (1435), recovered by Louis XI (1477), and incorporated into the province of Picardy.
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