Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky was the only illegitimate son of Catherine II and Count Grigory Orlov. His mother, Catherine II, mostly known as Catherine the Great, was the reigning empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. Let’s read further to know more about this royal family member’s life events, death, and much more.
Early Life
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky was born on April 11, 1762, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was the illegitimate son of Catherine II and Count Grigory Orlov. He was named after his uncle and godfather, Count Aleksey Orlov. He was brought up in Bobrisky, a village situated in the Tula guberniya.
Personal Life
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky married Baroness Anna Dorothea von Ungern-Sternberg. He had four children, Aleksey Bobrinsky, Vasily Bobrinsky, Nikolaos Raikos, Mariya Bobrinskaya, and Pavel Bobrinsky.
Life Events
Stories Surrounded His Birth
His mother concealed the pregnancy from her husband Peter III. When the due date came, she conspired a plan with her trusted servant Vasily Shkurin, who was ordered to burn his own house as the Emperor had a passion for watching the fires.
He was sent to Bobriki village for his upbringing. On April 2, 1781, he received a letter from his mother telling him that she was his biological mother. He was named Bobrinsky, a surname derived from the estate he lived in.
Other Important Life Incidents
He was made Count Bobrinsky by Paul I. However, he was removed from Count and promoted to general-major on the 5th day of his reign by Emperor Paul, and made his half-brother a count of the Russian Empire. His son, Count Aleksey Alekseyevich Bobrinsky, is best known as the founder of the sugar-processing industry in Imperial Russia. After a brief and dull career at the royal court, he retired from service, settled down in Bogoroditsk, and ended up establishing one of the first Russian sugar refineries there.
Who Designed the Bobrinsky Palace?
The Bobrinsky Palace was designed by Ivan Starov. It was constructed in the 1770s and 1780s, starting in 1973. In 1778, the nearby Kazanskaya church was completed. Andrey Bolotov, one of the first Russian economists, laid out the park. He was attributed to the establishment of the Children’s Theatre in Bogoroditsk.
Everything You Need To Know About His Mother
Catherine II came to power after overthrowing her husband, Peter III. As she was inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, Russia experienced a renaissance of culture and sciences during her reign. It led to the formation of several new cities, universities, and theaters, alongside large-scale immigration from the rest of Europe. It was that period when Russia was recognized as one of the great powers of Europe.
Moreover, she was promiscuous. She had been in relationships with multiple men. She had a long-term relationship with her most noble favorite, Count Grigory Orlov which resulted in the birth of Alexei.
Death
On June 20, 1813, Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky died in Bogoroditsk, Tula Oblast, Russia. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Conclusion
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky was the only official illegitimate son of Catherine II. His mother is known for the significant development she brought to Russia during her reign.