Reign 1244–1296 Mother Beatrice of Savoy House Aleramici Father Manfredo III Spouse Luigia di Ceva | Successor Manfredo IV Died 1296 Predecessor Manfredo III Name Thomas Marquess | |
Issue Manfredo IV
Alice FitzAlan, Countess of Arundel Children Alice of Saluzzo, Countess of Arundel, Manfred IV, Marquess of Saluzzo Parents Beatrice of Savoy, Marchioness of Saluzzo, Manfred III, Marquess of Saluzzo Grandchildren Edmund FitzAlan, 9th Earl of Arundel, Frederick I, Marquess of Saluzzo | ||
Thomas I (1239–1296) was the fourth Marquess of Saluzzo from 1244 to his death. He succeeded his father Manfred III. 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 pretentions. 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.
He married Luisa of Ceva.
He was succeeded by his son Manfred IV. Thomas also had a daughter, Alice of Saluzzo, who married Richard Fitzalan, 8th Earl of Arundel.