House of Guinness, a historical drama from the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, is now available on Netflix.

Set in 19th-century Ireland and New York, the series intertwines fictional and historical figures, focusing on the Guinness siblings following their father’s demise. Louis Partridge portrays Edward Guinness, the third son of Sir Benjamin Guinness and younger sibling to Arthur (played by Anthony Boyle).

Partridge expressed his admiration for how his character “changes a lot throughout the show”, stating: “There’s not just one side of him – there’s a lot to show.

“At the beginning, he’s very sober, serious, ambitious, strategic, and business-driven. That’s really not me at all – I’m more spontaneous, random, and creative.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the real historical figure who inspired this character.

Who was the real Edward Guinness?

Edward Guinness, also known as the 1st Earl of Iveagh, was the head of the family’s brewing empire.

Renowned as a respected philanthropist, he is most remembered for establishing affordable housing in London and Dublin through charitable trusts such as the Guinness Trust.

By the age of 29, he had assumed sole ownership of the Dublin brewery after purchasing the half-share belonging to his older brother Arthur.

He later became the wealthiest man in Ireland after floating two-thirds of the company in 1886 on the London Stock Exchange for £6 million.

Edward retired as a multi-millionaire at the tender age of 40 and in 1902, he commissioned the Guinness Storehouse, which continues to be one of Ireland’s top tourist spots.

Intriguingly, he donated a hefty sum of £250,000 to the Lister Institute in 1898, marking it as the UK’s first medical research charity.

He also generously funded new physics and botany buildings at Trinity College Dublin.

Unlike his brother Arthur, Edward was not deeply engaged in politics, restricting his participation to serving as High Sheriff of County Dublin in 1885.

He did make a bid for the Conservative seat of Dublin St Stephen’s Green in the 1885 general election, but was unsuccessful.

Who did Edward Guinness marry?

In 1873, he wed his third cousin Adelaide Maria Guinness, affectionately known as ‘Dodo’, who hailed from the banking branch of the Guinness family.

The couple were blessed with three sons – Rupert, Arthur Ernest and Walter.

Edward died aged 79 in 1927, at Grosvenor Place in London. His estate was valued for probate at £13.5 million, setting a British record that stood until 1933.

House of Guinness is on Netflix