Bardi family

Bardi
Country Republic of Florence
Grand Duchy of Tuscany
 Papal States
Place of originTuscany, Italy
Founded10th century
Final rulerPier Maria de' Bardi
TitlesCount of Vernio
Dissolution1810

The House of Bardi was an influential Florentine family that started the powerful banking company Compagnia dei Bardi. In the 14th century the Bardis lent Edward III of England 900,000 gold florins, a debt which he failed to repay along with 600,000 florins borrowed from the Peruzzi family, leading to the collapse of both families' banks. During the 15th century the Bardi family continued to operate in various European centres, playing a notable role in financing some of the early voyages of discovery to America including those by Christopher Columbus and John Cabot.[1]