Alexandre Auffredi

Alexandre Auffredi (unknown - c. 1220) was a wealthy bourgeois of La Rochelle in France, who in 1196 sent a fleet of ships to Africa to tap the riches of the continent. He went bankrupt and into poverty as he waited for the return of his ships, finally returned seven years later filled with riches. As a result of the adventure, Auffredi became extremely rich. He devoted the rest of his life to help the poor, and founded the Saint Barthelemy Hospital. A central area of La Rochelle was named after him.

Front page of the accounting book ("Cartulaire") of Auffredi, showing Alexandre Auffredi taking care of sick people in his hospital, 13th century.

Life

Auffredi Hospital today, rue Auffredi, La Rochelle.

Auffredi lived during the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th centuries as a ship owner in La Rochelle along the Bay of Biscay. He was married to Pernelle. In 1196, Auffredi decided to invest his fortune in a commercial expedition to Africa consisting of seven ships. Months after their departure, Auffredi and his wife became bankrupt and had to vacate their private mansion to live on the streets. During their time in destitute, they were assisted by the church and nuns. After seven years, the ships returned in 1203 with spices, ivory and precious woods.

Auffredi and Pernelle used their wealth to construct Saint-Barthélemy Hospital in 1203. After Auffredi's death around 1220, the hospital was handed over to La Rochelle. The hospital experienced enlargements in 1420. Following the 1627-28 Siege of La Rochelle, King Louis XIII handed the hospital over to private ownership, but the hospital became city property again in 1791.

Legacy

Alexandre Auffredi is mentioned in Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes by Honoré de Balzac as an example of French entrepreneurship:

"Les fortunes colossales des Jacques Cœur, des Médici, des Ango de Dieppe, des Auffredi de La Rochelle, des Fugger, des Tiepolo, des Corner ..." Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes