Andrey Tolstoi-miloslavsky Count, descendant of a famous aristocratic family Date of Birth: .

1. A Noble Heritage
2. Tracing the Ancient Lineage
3. From Outlaw to Nobleman
4. The Miloslavsky Connection
5. Notable Descendants
6. Emigration to London
7. Identity: British of Russian Descent
8. Preserving the Legacy

A Noble Heritage

Count Andrei Tolstoy-Miloslavsky: A Descendant of an Illustrious Lineage

Despite his aristocratic lineage, Count Andrei Tolstoy-Miloslavsky is not driven by vanity. "Titles are unimportant," he believes. "What matters is our roots, our history—that is the foundation of our lives." He takes great pride in his ancestors and endeavors to instill that pride in his children.

Tracing the Ancient Lineage

The Tolstoy family's origins in Russia date back to the 13th century, with the arrival of a man named Idris from Lithuania. His initial surname and religion are unknown, but upon his conversion to Orthodoxy, he was known as Tolstoy. With a large retinue, he engaged in banditry, reflecting the turbulent times.

From Outlaw to Nobleman

Over time, Tolstoy became a loyal subject of the Prince of Chernigov and rose rapidly through the ranks. Within a few years, he was a close confidant of the Prince and had amassed considerable wealth.

The Miloslavsky Connection

In 1910, by imperial decree, the daughters of Andrei Tolstoy and Solomonia Miloslavskaya were granted permission to add their mother's surname to their own. The Miloslavsky family was on the verge of extinction, and this decision was made to preserve its name. Ever since, the main branch of the Tolstoy family has borne the name Tolstoy-Miloslavsky.

Notable Descendants

While not as famous as Leo Tolstoy, several other family members distinguished themselves in their respective fields. Ivan Tolstoy was a prominent politician under Peter the Great, while Pavel Tolstoy, an émigré in France, gained renown as a journalist. Dmitry Tolstoy, who fought heroically in the Russo-Japanese War, earned a place in Novikov-Priboy's account of the Battle of Tsushima. Andrei Tolstoy's father, also named Dmitry, was a respected lawyer and author of a renowned legal textbook.

Emigration to London

The Tolstoy family's presence in London can be attributed to a granddaughter of Andrei Tolstoy, Maria, who invited her English school friend Eileen May Hamshaw to visit her family estate in Russia. There, Eileen met Maria's brother, Michael, a law student, and they married in London in 1912. After the untimely death of Eileen, who adopted the name Elena Andreyevna, Maria's father joined the Red Cross and later fled to England with his infant son, Andrei's father.

Identity: British of Russian Descent

As a descendant of an ancient Russian family but born and raised in England, Andrei Tolstoy-Miloslavsky's identity is complex. "I am probably a Britisher of Russian descent," he explains. While he appreciates British culture, his connection to Russia remains strong.

Preserving the Legacy

Despite the destruction wrought by the Russian Revolution, Andrei Tolstoy-Miloslavsky is determined to preserve the legacy of his ancestors. He believes that his family's history is not merely names and relics but also a repository of pride and inspiration for future generations.