Branicki (Gryf)


The Branicki family was a Polish szlachta family. Since Polish adjectives have different forms for the genders, Branicka is the form for a female family member.

History

The Branicki family, also called the "Griffin Clan", was a magnate family, originating from Branice and Ruszcza in the Kraków Voivodeship. One of the most prominent members of the family was Field and Great Crown Hetman Jan Klemens Gryf Branicki. Jan was one of the most powerful and influential magnates in Poland during the 18th century. He was the owner of 12 cities, 257 villages, 17 palaces and two primeval forests.
In 1726, he built the Branicki Palace, the "Versailles of Podlasie". He also laid out the central part of the town of Białystok with its triangular market. He started in the King's election of 1763–1764, but was beaten by his brother-in-law, Stanisław Poniatowski.

Coat of arms

The Branicki family used the Gryf coat of arms.

Notable members