All this coast was the scene of the contentions of our early kings; and Coeur de Lion and his father were actors in several of the dramas here performed.
The great hero, but disobedient son, Richard, after being forced by Henry II.

to quit Saintes where he had entrenched himself, fled to this very fortress of Taillebourg, and there defied attack.

Henry III.

of England, more than half a century later, made this part of the river the theatre of his contentions with St.Louis, as Joinville relates.

Henry had disembarked at Royan--now a fashionable bathing-place, at the mouth of the Charente--and resolved, if possible, to gain back all that John Lackland had lost, led his army from town to town, taking possession of all in his way, till the sudden arrival of St.Louis stopped his career.
The King of France laid siege to Tonnay-Boutonne, of which strong place scarcely anything now remains, took it, and reconquered several other fortresses.