Biron family explained

Surname:House of Biron
Coat Of Arms:File:Biron COA.png
Country:Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
Duchy of Prussia
Grand Duchy of Finland
Russian Empire
Estates:Latvia, Russia, Poland
Titles:Duke, Regent
Founded:18th century
Founder:Ernst Johann von Biron
Final Ruler:Peter von Biron
Current Head:Ernst-Johann Biron, Prince of Courland
Deposition:1795

The House of Biron is the name of the Baltic German aristocratic family which was the ruling family of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. The family also enjoyed privileges and influence during the times of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and in the Russian Empire.

History

Initially von Bühren, the family came from Büren, Westphalia, Germany to Courland and were part of the retinue of Gotthard Kettler, Duke of Courland. The family rose to prominence when the last member of the reigning House of Kettler was left without any male heirs. As a result, Ernst Johann von Biron, a lover of Empress Anna of Russia, succeeded Ferdinand Kettler as Duke of Courland and Semigallia.

After that, the family ruled the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia for periods of time between 1737 and 1795. However, the dynasty was short lived and ended with Peter von Biron, who died in 1800 with no male heirs.[1] Today, existing line of the family are descendants of Prince Karl Ernst, Duke Peter's younger brother.

Family tree

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Duke Peter von Biron . 25 June 2023 .

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