Demidov

The Demidov family (Russian: Деми́довы), also Demidoff, was an influential Russian merchant, industrialist and noble family, possibly second only to the Tsar himself in wealth during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The family still exists.

History

Their progenitor, Demid Antufiev, was a free blacksmith from Tula, where their family necropolis is preserved as a museum. His son Nikita Demidov (March 26, 1656 - November 17, 1725) made his fortune by his skill in the manufacture of weapons, and established an iron foundry for the government. Peter the Great, with whom he was a favorite, ennobled him in 1720. For two centuries, the Demidov plants produced a large portion of Russia's iron and steel. The Palace of Westminster was one of many notable buildings constructed of Demidov metal products.

Nikita's son, Akinfiy Demidov (1678–1745), increased his inherited wealth by the discovery and working of gold, silver and copper mines. He also founded the Siberian town of Barnaul, whose central square still bears his name. He also commissioned the Leaning Tower of Nevyansk. His fortune was inherited by his eldest son Prokofi Demidov, whilst his younger son Nikita Akinfievitch Demidov (1724–1789) became an arts patron.

Demidov (disambiguation)

Demidov is a Russian noble family.

Demidov may also refer to:

See also

Demidov, Smolensk Oblast

Demidov (Russian: Деми́дов) is a town and the administrative center of Demidovsky District in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, located on the Kasplya River at its confluence with the Gobza River. Population: 7,333 (2010 Census); 8,786 (2002 Census); 10,198 (1989 Census).

History

It was founded in 1499 as a settlement of Porechye (Поре́чье) and was granted town status in 1776. In 1918, it was renamed Demidov after a local Bolshevik Yakov Demidov (1889–1918).

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Demidov serves as the administrative center of Demidovsky District. As an administrative division, it is, together with four rural localities, incorporated within Demidovsky District as Demidovskoye Urban Settlement. As a municipal division, this administrative unit also has urban settlement status and is a part of Demidovsky Municipal District.

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