Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky (1762-1813) is a noteworthy figure in Russian history, exemplifying 18th-century nobility and the Romanov dynasty. He was the illegitimate son of Catherine II of Russia (Catherine the Great) and her lover, Count Grigory Orlov, born in Moscow on April 11, 1762. His birth was secret due to political and social constraints. Catherine ordered her faithful servant, Vasily Shkurin, to burn his house to distract Emperor Peter III, who loved fires, to hide her pregnancy. This drastic action permitted Catherine to give birth privately, and Shkurin raised Bobrinsky in Bobriki, Tula. He was called after his uncle and godfather, Count Alexey Orlov, symbolizing his complex family and political ties.
Parental Lineage and Early Recognition
Catherine II and Grigory Orlov, Bobrinsky’s parents, shaped Russian history. Orlov led the coup that installed Catherine, who ruled from 1762 until 1796. She was recognized for her enlightened absolutism and major reforms. Bobrinsky was raised alone, until Catherine wrote to him in 1781 to claim him as her son, a turning point in his life. She picked Bobrinsky, from his childhood estate, to symbolize his affinity to the land. His half-brother, Emperor Paul I, made Bobrinsky a count of the Russian Empire and promoted him to general-major on the fifth day of his rule after Catherine’s death in 1796, confirming his aristocratic position.
Marriage and Children
In 1796, Bobrinsky married Baroness Anna Dorothea von Ungern-Sternberg (1769-1846), a union that brought some stability to his life, which had previously been marked by travels across Europe and a reputation for gambling and lavish parties. Together, they had four children, continuing the Bobrinsky lineage:
- Maria Alexeevna Bobrinskaya (1798-1835), who married Prince Nikolai Sergeevich Gagarin, contributing to the family’s noble connections.
- Alexey Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1800-1868), notable for founding the sugar-processing industry in Imperial Russia, a significant economic contribution.
- Pavel Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1801-1830), who had one son, Alexander Pavlovich Bobrinsky, further extending the family line.
- Vasily Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1804-1874), whose descendants included notable figures in Russian society.
These children formed the foundation of Bobrinsky’s enduring legacy, with each playing a role in maintaining the family’s prominence.
Grandchildren and Their Contributions
Bobrinsky’s grandchildren, the children of his four offspring, were numerous and influential. From Maria Alexeevna Bobrinskaya and Prince Gagarin, the grandchildren included:
- Nikolai Nikolaevich Gagarin (1823-1902)
- Lev Nikolaevich Gagarin (1828-1868)
- Maria Nikolaevna Gagarin (1826-1895)
- Poliksena Nikolaevna Gagarin (1830-1890)
- Leonila Nikolaevna Gagarin (1832-1907)
From Alexey Alexeyevich Bobrinsky, the grandchildren were:
- Alexander Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1823-1903)
- Vladimir Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1824-1898), who served as Minister of Transportation from 1869 to 1871, a significant political role.
- Lev Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1831-1915)
From Pavel Alexeyevich Bobrinsky, the grandchild was:
- Alexander Pavlovich Bobrinsky (1826-1894), who continued the family’s noble lineage.
From Vasily Alexeyevich Bobrinsky, the grandchildren included:
- Alexey Vasilievich Bobrinsky (1831-1888)
- Nikolai Vasilievich Bobrinsky (1833-1890)
- Maria Vasilievna Bobrinskaya (1835-1902)
- Dmitry Vasilievich Bobrinsky (1842-1907)
These grandchildren were instrumental in various fields, from politics to science, reflecting the family’s broad influence.
Great-Grandchildren and Legacy
The great-grandchildren of Bobrinsky, the children of his grandchildren, further expanded the family’s impact. Notable great-grandchildren include:
- From Alexander Alexeyevich Bobrinsky:
- Alexey Alexandrovich Bobrinsky (1852-1927), a prominent historian and archaeologist, serving as chairman of the Imperial Archaeological Commission, highlighting the family’s intellectual contributions.
- From Vladimir Alexeyevich Bobrinsky:
- Alexey Vladimirovich Bobrinsky (1856-1922), continuing the family’s political and social influence.
- From Alexander Pavlovich Bobrinsky:
- Vladimir Bobrinski (1859-1927), a politician who represented Russian nationalists in the State Dumas, advocating for reforms.
- From Alexey Vasilievich Bobrinsky:
- Anna Alexeevna Bobrinskaya (1857-1939)
- Sophia Alexeevna Bobrinskaya (1859-1941)
- Nikolai Alexeevich Bobrinsky (1861-1919), a biologist who remained in Moscow after the revolution and was recognized as a prominent Soviet zoologist, with a species of jerboa named after him.
- Alexey Alexeevich Bobrinsky (1863-1938), the last owner of the Bobriki estate, known for his ethnographic work in the Pamir Mountains.
These great-grandchildren illustrate the family’s diverse contributions, from politics and science to cultural preservation, underscoring Bobrinsky’s lasting legacy.
Death and Cause
Bobrinsky passed away on June 20, 1813, at his estate in Bogoroditsk, Tula, Russia, at the age of 51. The exact cause of his death is not well-documented in historical records, but research suggests it was likely due to natural causes, given the lack of specific evidence indicating otherwise. His death marked the end of his personal journey but the beginning of his family’s enduring influence.
Relationship with Vladimir Bobrinski
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky Vladimir Bobrinski refers to Vladimir Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1824-1898), a grandson of Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky, who was a significant political figure, serving as Minister of Transportation from 1869 to 1871. This relationship highlights the family’s continued involvement in Russian governance and infrastructure development.
FAQ: Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky
Who was Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky?
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky (1762-1813) was the illegitimate son of Catherine the Great and Count Grigory Orlov. He was later recognized as a count and became a notable noble in Russian history.
How was Bobrinsky’s birth kept secret?
Catherine the Great ordered her servant to set a fire to distract Emperor Peter III, allowing her to give birth in secrecy. Bobrinsky was then raised in Bobriki, Tula.
When did Catherine acknowledge Bobrinsky as her son?
In 1781, Catherine II wrote to Bobrinsky, recognizing him as her son, which marked a turning point in his life and status.
Who were Bobrinsky’s children?
Bobrinsky had four children: Maria, Alexey, Pavel, and Vasily. His descendants played key roles in Russian politics, economics, and science.
What was Bobrinsky’s relationship with Vladimir Bobrinski?
Vladimir Alexeyevich Bobrinsky (1824-1898) was his grandson and served as Russia’s Minister of Transportation from 1869 to 1871.
When and how did Bobrinsky die?
Bobrinsky passed away on June 20, 1813, at his estate in Bogoroditsk, Tula. The exact cause of death remains unclear but was likely due to natural causes.
