Thomas I of Saluzzo

Thomas I (1239–1296) was the fourth Marquess of Saluzzo from 1244 to his death. He was the son of Manfred III and Beatrice of Savoy.^[1] He succeeded his father Manfred III. He was also the grandson of Amadeus IV, Count of Savoy.^[1]

Tomasso I
Marchese di Saluzzo
Reign	1244–1296
Predecessor	Manfredo III
Successor	Manfredo IV
Born	1239
Died	1296
Noble family	House of Aleramici
Spouse(s)	Luigia di Ceva
Issue	Manfredo IV Alice FitzAlan, Countess of Arundel Violante of Saluzzo
Father	Manfredo III
Mother	Beatrice of Savoy

Biography

Under the reign of Thomas, Saluzzo blossomed, achieving a greatness which had eluded his ancestors. He crafted a state the borders of which remained unchanged for over two centuries. He extended the march to include Carmagnola. He was often at odds with Asti and he was a prime enemy of Charles of Anjou and his Italian pretensions. During his tenure, he made Saluzzo a free city, giving it a podestà to govern in his name. He defended his castles and roccaforti (strongholds) vigorously and built many new ones in the cities.

Armando Tallone, Tomaso I Marchese di Saluzzo, 1916

Marriage and issue

He married Luisa of Ceva. They had:

• Manfred IV, succeeded his father^[1]
• Alice of Saluzzo, who married Richard Fitzalan, 8th Earl of Arundel^[2]