During the 12th and 13th century, the history of the entire province of Berry, including the Lordship of Issoudun, was marked by the Capetian–Plantagenet rivalry. In 1195, Richard I of England defended the city from the advances of Philip II of France. Two kings met in December 1195 between Issoudun and Chârost, and reached an agreement, known as the "Treaty of Issoudun". Around this time the beak-shaped keep of the castle was built. By the Treaty of Le Goulet (1200), Lords of Issoudun () returned to the suzerainty of the French Crown. The most prominent Lords of Issoudun from that period were Odo III and his son Raoul III, who was married to Margaret of Courtenay. Since Raoul III of Issoudun died (c. 1213) without direct male heirs, the Lordship was passed to several secondary heirs, through the female line of succession. First of them was William I of Chauvigny () in 1217, but final settlement was reached in 1221, after the intervention of the French Crown.