Alexandre Auffredi

Front page of the accounting book ("Cartulaire") of Auffredi, showing him taking care of sick people in his hospital, 13th century. Alexandre Auffredi (late 12th century - ) 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.

Life Auffredi's year of birth is unknown, but he lived between the end of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century. This was at a time when La Rochelle was developing as an important port along the Bay of Biscay in France. Himself a ship owner, Auffredi owned a commercial fleet of boats. In 1196, he sent his entire fleet on a voyage to the coast of Africa with the goal of bringing back valuable goods. Some sources state his fleet numberred 7 ships but according to the 18th century French historian Louis-Étienne Arcère, Auffredi sent out 10-ships on a voyage from La Rochelle. The ships were loaded with salt and wine - important goods produced by La Rochelle - to trade for goods in Africa.

The voyage lasted longer than the three or four months he had expected. Left with a small fortune and having exhausted all his resources, Auffredi accumulated debts with little income. The ships were carrying gold, ivory, spices, and precious woods. As evidenced by a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent III, Auffredi established the Saint Barthelemy Hospital with Pernelle using his new wealth, where he devoted himself to helping the poor and sick. Auffredi died around 1220.

Amidst the French Revolution, the monks were expelled when the hospital became city property again on 5 March 1791.