Our History

The Putyatin family’s origins extend back to the ninth century in Russia, holding a distinguished place in the annals of Russian nobility. Their historical ties to the Russian elite are well-documented, and their association with the imperial family gained particular historical significance during the Russian Revolution of 1917, notably with their presence at the abdication of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich and the marriage between a granddaughter of Tsar Alexander II, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna Romanovna, and Prince Sergei Michilovich Putyatin. However, the family's roots can be more precisely traced to the 14th century, marking the establishment of the Russian Princely House of Putyatin.

The Putyatin Princes are descended from the Rurikid Prince Ivan ‘Poutiaia’ Drutzkoy, who appears in historical records from the year 1423 and is recognized as the progenitor of both the Drutzkoy-Sokolinsky and Putyatin families.

Prince Ivan, a notable boyar of the 14th century, served under Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy of Moscow. The early history of the Putyatin family is intricately intertwined with the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality and, subsequently, the Grand Duchy of Moscow. As boyars, military leaders, and administrators, the Putyatins played crucial roles in the political and social spheres of Russian life.

Throughout the centuries, the Putyatin family rose to prominence within the Russian nobility. Many members achieved esteemed positions within the government, military, and church, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to the Russian monarchs and contributing significantly to the development of the nation. The family was an integral part of the Vladimir-Suzdal nobility, which governed the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality from the 12th to the 14th centuries.

The Putyatin family's influence in the Tver region is well-documented, with connections dating back to the 14th century. Their presence in the Tver Province was marked by substantial land ownership, with estates and villages located in the districts of Tver, Staritsa, and Zubtsov. This extensive landholding underscored their considerable affluence and influence in the region.

Historical sources suggest that the Putyatin family may have originated from the Tver Principality, which existed from the 13th to the 15th centuries. This potential origin implies that their roots in the Tver region were deeply embedded in the historical and political fabric of the area. The Putyatins also formed strategic marital alliances with other noble families from the Tver region, further reinforcing their social and political ties.

By the 14th century, the family had relocated to Moscow, integrating into the Moscow boyar class, and serving as advisors and administrators to the Grand Princes of Moscow. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Putyatins continued to play influential roles in the Muscovite government, military, and church. Family members held significant positions, such as boyars, voivodes (military commanders), dukes (regional governors), and archbishops (high-ranking clergy). Their substantial landholdings extended across the Vladimir, Moscow, and Nizhny Novgorod provinces.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Putyatins remained closely allied with the Romanov dynasty. Some family members achieved notable prominence in Russian politics, culture, and society, further cementing their esteemed status within the nation's aristocracy.

The Putyatin family also distinguished itself through its patronage of the arts, culture, and charitable endeavors. Their support for the Russian Orthodox Church was significant, contributing to the construction and maintenance of numerous churches and monasteries. This patronage was crucial for the preservation and expansion of religious institutions across Russia.

In education, the Putyatins made substantial contributions, particularly in Vladimir Province, where they funded the establishment and maintenance of schools and educational institutions, thereby fostering the region's intellectual development. Their support extended to the arts, including patronage of notable Russian artists, musicians, and writers. They notably supported painter Ivan Aivazovsky, composers Mikhail Glinka and Alexander Dargomyzhsky, and writers Alexander Pushkin and Nikolai Gogol. Admiral Yevfimy Putyatin, in particular, was renowned for his dedication to music and was honored by Glinka, who dedicated his opera "Ruslan and Ludmila" to the Admiral.

Charitable activities were another cornerstone of the Putyatin legacy. The family engaged in various charitable causes, including supporting orphanages, hospitals, and aiding the impoverished. Their contributions were instrumental in addressing social needs and improving living conditions for many, reflecting their enduring commitment to societal betterment and cultural enrichment. This charitable legacy continues as one of the prime objectives of the family to this day.