WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS.

The newly released Netflix series, House of Guinness, delves into the history of the globally renowned Guinness family, including Arthur Guinness.

Upon the death of the family patriarch, his will and the distribution of his assets sparked a fierce divide amongst his children, including Edward Guinness.

In the series, his daughter Anne (portrayed by Emily Fairn) was not bequeathed a share in the brewery business. Instead, she developed a passion for aiding the disadvantaged and ill.

Anne herself battled a mysterious illness, confessing to her brothers that she had observed changes in her body and often felt out of control, reports the Irish Mirror.

These physical alterations were also noticed by those she encountered, who remarked on her difficulty walking.

A distressing scene in the series sees Anne suffer a miscarriage, although it is not believed to be connected to her illness.

In reality, Anne was afflicted with a degenerative disease and passed away at the tender age of 50.

Her condition was chronic, causing her suffering for a significant part of her life, though its specific name has not been disclosed.

Present-day degenerative conditions include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease.

Anne is remembered for her kindness and readiness to assist others. While her father was restoring St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, she became involved in initiatives supporting the poor and sick in the area.

She was a patron of bible readings and basic medical supplies, and later founded St Patrick’s nursing home in 1876, which evolved into a training centre for Church of Ireland nurses.

Anne married William Plunket, Archbishop of Dublin in 1863, and they were blessed with six children.

William was a staunch supporter of Anne’s work, and her memory is honoured with a series of stained-glass windows at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

House of Guinness is on Netflix

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