Peter von Biron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peter von Biron |
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|---|---|
| Duke of Courland and Semigallia | |
Portrait by Friedrich Hartmann Barisien, c. 1782
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| Duke of Courland and Semigallia | |
| Reign | 1769–1795 |
| Predecessor | Ernst Johann von Biron |
| Successor | None (annexed by the Russian Empire during Partitions of Poland) |
| Born | 15 February 1724 Mitau, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia |
| Died | 13 January 1800 (aged 75) Gellenau Palace, Gellenau, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Spouse |
Caroline of Waldeck and Pyrmont
(m. 1765; div. 1772)Eudoxia Borisovna Yusupova
(m. 1774; div. 1778)Dorothea von Medem
(m. 1779) |
| Issue |
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| House | Biron |
| Father | Ernst Johann, Duke of Courland and Semigallia |
| Mother | Benigna Gottlieb von Trotha gt Treyden |
| Religion | Lutheranism |
Peter von Biron was an important historical figure. He was the last Duke of Courland and Semigallia. This was a special area in Europe. He ruled from 1769 to 1795.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Peter von Biron was born on February 15, 1724, in Jelgava. This city was part of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. His father, Ernst Johann von Biron, would also become a Duke. His mother was Benigna Gottlieb von Trotha gt Treyden.
Peter spent some of his childhood in Moscow and St. Petersburg. When he was 16, his family was sent away from the capital. This was called "exile." They lived far away in places like Siberia and Yaroslavl until 1762.
Becoming Duke of Courland
In 1769, Peter's father gave him the title of Duke of Courland and Semigallia. Peter had already been helping to run the duchy for several years. In 1770, he made a promise to the local nobles. He also became a member of the Royal Society in 1771. This was a famous group of scientists.
Founding a School
In 1775, Peter started a school called the Academia Petrina in Jelgava. He hoped this school would become a university. He even asked famous thinkers like Immanuel Kant to teach there. However, they both said no.
His Marriages
Peter was married three times. His first marriage was in 1765 to Princess Caroline of Waldeck and Pyrmont. They divorced in 1772.
In 1774, he married Yevdokiya Yusupova. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1778.
His third marriage was in 1779 to Dorothea von Medem. They had six children together. Four of their children grew up to be adults.
Changes in the Duchy
In 1795, Peter decided to give up his rule over the Duchy of Courland. The Russian Empire took control of the area. In return, Peter received a large sum of money. This money was called an "appanage."
With this money, Peter bought several grand properties. In 1782, he bought a palace in Berlin. He also bought a park and palace in Friedrichsfelde in 1785. He made these places very beautiful.
In 1786, he bought another area called the Duchy of Sagan. This meant he also used the title Duke of Żagań.
End of His Rule
The Duchy of Courland's future was decided by Russia. In 1795, Russia and its allies divided Poland. Russia suggested that Duke Peter give up his rights to Courland. On March 28, 1795, Peter signed a document. This meant the Duchy of Courland no longer existed.
Peter von Biron passed away in Gellenau in 1800. He was first buried in an abbey church. Later, in 1847, he was moved to a Lutheran church in Żagań.
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His Children
Peter and Dorothea von Medem had four daughters who survived:
- Princess Wilhelmine, Duchess of Sagan. She inherited the Duchy of Sagan after Peter's death.
- Princess Pauline. She inherited some properties in Prague. Later, she also inherited the Duchy of Sagan.
- Princess Johanna Katharina. She inherited a palace in Prague. She did not have children.
- Princess Dorothea. She inherited a palace in Berlin. She also inherited the Duchy of Sagan later on.
