Rochelle

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Rochelle, Portus Santonum, Rupella, Rupella Santonum, Rupella, a City and famous Port of France, upon the Bay of Aquitain; the Capital of le Pais d'Aunis, and a Bishops See, under the Archbishop of Bourdeaux. Seven Leagues from Brouges to the North, two from the Isle of Re, and thirty from the Mouth of the Loyre to the South-East. It takes its name from the Rock on which it stands; supposed to be built about the Sixth Century (because not mentioned before) against the Incursions of the Normans. At first it had Princes of its own. After this it was under the English from the times of Henry II. who possessed it as Duke of Anjou. And that Prince granted this City its first Charter and Privileges, which were confirmed by Richard and John his Sons. King John Landed here in 1206. when he went to the Siege of Mountauban; and after, in 1213. In 1224. it was taken from the English by Lewis VIII. King of France; but recovered the next year, and continued under the English till 1453. And then finally taken by Charles VII. In the beginning of the Civil Wars of France, this Town fell under the power of the Hugonots: who very much improved its Fortifications. It was their principal place of refuge, under Charles IX. After the Massacre of Paris it was besieged by all the Forces of France; defended it self to a wonder; and at last forced that Prince to a Peace in 1573. It continued after this in their hands till 1628. and then was taken by Hunger; (in order to which, the Ocean was bridled with a prodigious Bank, begun in 1627. and carried the length of 747. toises;) the English having twice unsuccessfully attempted to relieve it. After the taking of it, Lewis XIII. King of France, visited it in person; re-established the Roman Catholick Religion, destroy'd its Fortifications, (saving two Towers built heretofore by Charles the Fifth, for the Defence of the Port); and took away its former Privileges. In 1649. it first became a Bishoprick; the Chair being removed hither from Mallezais, a small Place in Poictou, by Pope Innocent X. at the request of Lewis XIV. Long. 19. 25. Lat. 45. 56. //Paris Meridian was used in the book