Piedmontese Politics
In his first years, William looked to exert his power in the southern Piedmont, as many of his predecessors had tried. The lords of Montferrat had always been combatting the independence of the communes of Alessandria and Asti. In order to subdue them and bring them under his control, William sought alliance and support from the Kingdom of France and the Roman Catholic Church. However, his relationship and proximity to the Holy Roman Emperor left him at odds with the Ghibellines. His anti-imperial, pro-French, Guelph policy left him not insignificant problems concerning the imperial authority and his imperialist neighbours.
His taking part with Guelph politics and cohorting with Charles I of Sicily in a Lombard invasion, brought upon him the wrath of Oberto Pelavicino, the chief Ghibelline commander in the region, in 1264. William resisted him with determination and effectiveness. William even occupied the fortresses of Acqui Terme, Tortona, and Novi Ligure, stabilising his hold on Nizza Monferrato. In 1265, French reinforcements arrived. Less than eight years from his accession, William had extended his power to Lanzo and the vicinity of Alessandria.
Read more about this topic: William VII, Marquess Of Montferrat
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