Francesco d'Este

Francesco d'Este (1325–1384), born at Ferrara, was the son of Bertoldo I d'Este and Domenica Pio. Knighted in 1333, he was made governor of Parma by his cousin Obizzo III. When Obizzo died in 1352, Francesco claimed a share in ruling Ferrara and later tried to seize the Este lands with Malatesta, Gonzaga and Carraresi aid, but was defeated.

He then served the Visconti of Milan, campaigning against Modena and Bologna in 1359. He married Caterina Visconti and Taddea di Barbiano, and died at Pavia in 1384; his son Azzo X d'Este became a condottiere.