The area around Loudun was the focus of attention in the Hundred Years' War. In January 1340, Edward III of England formally claimed the title of 'King of France'. In June, the English fleet decimated the French fleet at the mouth of the Zwin in what is now the Netherlands. The war had begun. It was initially fought in the north of France and the Netherlands, but it was Aquitaine that was at stake. After four generations of peace in the area, the castles and town walls were in a poor state of repair.