Ugo d'Este
Encyclopedia
Ugo d'Este, also known as Hugh Aldobrandino (1405 - Ferrara, May 21, 1425), was the son of Niccolò III d'Este
and his lover Stella de' Tolomei.
(1407–1450) and Borso
(1413–1471), both future kings of Ferrara.
Although he was illegitimate, he was destined to succeed his father as Nicholò's eldest son, and spent a life of luxury and significant expenditure more than his younger siblings.
Since his father had never married his mother, Ugo was first treated coldly by his young stepmother Parisina Malatesta
, who was almost his own age. Between Parisina and her husband whom she married in Ravenna in 1414, the age difference was indeed remarkable: nearly twenty years.
Other sources report a different meeting between the two: to escape the plague of 1423, they took refuge in the castello di Fossadalbero she was accompanied by her stepson, and there in the small castle their relationship was born.
After Hugh's death, his younger brother Leonard d'Este, also a son of Stella, succeeded his father.
Niccolò III d'Este
Niccolò III d'Este was Marquess of Ferrara from 1393 until his death. He was also a condottiero.-Biography:...
and his lover Stella de' Tolomei.
Infancy
His other brothers were Hugh LeonelloLeonello d'Este
thumb|220px|Leonello D'Este portrayed by Pisanello.Leonello d'Este was marquis of Ferrara and Duke of Modena and Reggio Emilia from 1441 to 1450.-Biography:...
(1407–1450) and Borso
Borso d'Este
thumb|Borso d'Este, attributed to [[Vicino da Ferrara]], [[Pinacoteca]] of the [[Castello Sforzesco|Sforza Castle]] in [[Milan]], [[Italy]].Borso d'Este was the first Duke of Ferrara, which he ruled from 1450 until his death...
(1413–1471), both future kings of Ferrara.
Although he was illegitimate, he was destined to succeed his father as Nicholò's eldest son, and spent a life of luxury and significant expenditure more than his younger siblings.
Since his father had never married his mother, Ugo was first treated coldly by his young stepmother Parisina Malatesta
Parisina Malatesta
Parisina Malatesta who was known as Laura Malatesta , daughter of Andrea Malatesta, lord of Cesena, and his second wife Lucrezia Ordelaffi.-Biography:...
, who was almost his own age. Between Parisina and her husband whom she married in Ravenna in 1414, the age difference was indeed remarkable: nearly twenty years.
The Fatal Relationship
In 1424, during a trip in which his father ordered him to accompany his stepmother, the relationship with the girl emerged that went on even when the two returned to Ferrara. The places where they could meet undisturbed were the delizie di Belfiore, Fossadalbero e Quartesana.Other sources report a different meeting between the two: to escape the plague of 1423, they took refuge in the castello di Fossadalbero she was accompanied by her stepson, and there in the small castle their relationship was born.
Death
A maid reported the affair to Nicholò, who spied on the lovers and had them imprisoned in the castle where they were sentenced to death by decapitation.After Hugh's death, his younger brother Leonard d'Este, also a son of Stella, succeeded his father.