Francesco I Manfredi

Who was Francesco I Manfredi?

Francesco I Manfredi was the lord of Faenza from 1313 until his death. He was the son of Alberghetto Manfredi, one of the main Guelph leader of Romagna, from whom he inherited the lordships of Brisighella, Quarneto and Baccagnano, to which Francesco added other lands starting from 1309.

He was capitano del popolo of Faenza from 4 January 1313 and of Imola from 9 November 1314. In 1319 he became absolute lord of both cities, being ousted in 1327. He was able to regain briefly Faenza in 1340–1341, maintaining subsequently the title of patrician of the city.

He married Rengarda Malatesta, daughter of Malatesta I Malatesta of Rimini.

Francesco Manfredi died at Faenza in 1343. He left nine children, including the future seigniors of Faenza Alberghetto, Malatesta and Riccardo.