Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

15 July 1750 - 9 December 1806

House: House of Wettin, Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

Titles: Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, was a Thuringian duke known for his contributions to the arts and military service. Born to Ernest Frederick, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Duchess Sophie Antoinette of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, he received a comprehensive education and became an art connoisseur, amassing a significant collection of books and copperplate engravings. Commissioned into the allied army, he fought against the French Revolutionary armies. Succeeding his father in 1800, he managed the ducal family’s affairs, including repurchasing the Schloss Rosenau. His lineage established European royal houses.

Notable events

15 July 1750
Born in Coburg, Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Holy Roman Empire
1775
Initiated a major collection of books and illustrations
1793
Commissioned into the allied army against France
6 March 1776
First marriage to Princess Sophie of Saxe-Hildburghausen
28 October 1776
Death of first wife Princess Sophie
13 June 1777
Second marriage to Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf
8 September 1800
Succeeded his father as reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
1805
Bought back the Schloss Rosenau as a summer residence
6 August 1806
Holy Roman Empire dissolved by Emperor Francis II
15 December 1806
Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld entered the Confederation of the Rhine

Other details

Death: Died at age 56 in Coburg, Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Holy Roman Empire

Reign: 6 years and 92 days

Children: Sophie, Antoinette, Anna, Ernest I, Ferdinand, Victoria, Marianne, Leopold I, Franz

Marriages: Princess Sophie of Saxe-Hildburghausen (m. 1776; d. 1776), Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf (m. 1777)

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/