Have you ever pondered where the sensational bubbly and frothy taste of a nice cold Guinness came from? Benjamin Guinness was a man of many capabilities and talents. He spent his life living up to his great namesake, in which he was born into. This was achieved not only by fulfilling his destiny as an entrepreneur extraordinaire at his family’s brewery, but by also becoming a great philanthropist and a prominent politician. Benjamin Guinness was born on November 1, 1798 to Arthur Guinness II and his wife Anne Lee, grandson of Arthur Guinness I who founded the Guinness brewery in 1759. By working side by side with his father from early on his father trusted him enough to hand over the sole control of the company by 1839. On February 24, 1837 Benjamin married his first cousin Elizabeth Guinness. They had three sons and a daughter together and obtained residence at Beaumont House in Dublin for the majority of the children’s youth. Upon the death of his father in 1855, Guinness had become the richest man in Ireland.
Benjamin’s first play at politics started in 1851 when he was elected the first Lord Mayor of Dublin under the reformed corporation. Then, in 1863 he was made an honorary LL.D. by Trinity College Dublin. By 1865, Guinness was elected to the House of Commons as a Conservative representative for Dublin City, where he continued to serve until his death.
Benjamin’s next creative task began in 1860 and lasted until 1865. During this time, he undertook the restoration of the city's St. Patrick's Cathedral. Benjamin fully funded and contributed a tremendous amount of his time, effort, and ideas toward cost over $230,000 or £150,000. In 1865, the building was restored and a grand reopening took place on February 24th. Ironically, the grand opening took place on his and Elizabeth’s 28th anniversary. As a demonstration of their great appreciation and gratitude, the citizens of Dublin in addition to the dean and chapter of St. Patrick's presented Guinness with addresses on December 31, 1865. In recognition of his generosity and hard work, Guinness was honored with being made a baronet in 1867. Additionally, he was one of the ecclesiastical commissioners for Ireland, a governor of Simpson's Hospital, and vice-chairman of the Dublin Exhibition Palace. Sadly, he died the following May 19th at his Park Lane, London home. Benjamin was then transported and buried in the Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, at the family vault, on May 27th.
Now let’s kick off this week with a nice cold one in hand and here’s to a fabulous brewer. As they say in Ireland, “is Slainte!” and “Guid Forder”.
Benjamin’s first play at politics started in 1851 when he was elected the first Lord Mayor of Dublin under the reformed corporation. Then, in 1863 he was made an honorary LL.D. by Trinity College Dublin. By 1865, Guinness was elected to the House of Commons as a Conservative representative for Dublin City, where he continued to serve until his death.
Benjamin’s next creative task began in 1860 and lasted until 1865. During this time, he undertook the restoration of the city's St. Patrick's Cathedral. Benjamin fully funded and contributed a tremendous amount of his time, effort, and ideas toward cost over $230,000 or £150,000. In 1865, the building was restored and a grand reopening took place on February 24th. Ironically, the grand opening took place on his and Elizabeth’s 28th anniversary. As a demonstration of their great appreciation and gratitude, the citizens of Dublin in addition to the dean and chapter of St. Patrick's presented Guinness with addresses on December 31, 1865. In recognition of his generosity and hard work, Guinness was honored with being made a baronet in 1867. Additionally, he was one of the ecclesiastical commissioners for Ireland, a governor of Simpson's Hospital, and vice-chairman of the Dublin Exhibition Palace. Sadly, he died the following May 19th at his Park Lane, London home. Benjamin was then transported and buried in the Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, at the family vault, on May 27th.
Now let’s kick off this week with a nice cold one in hand and here’s to a fabulous brewer. As they say in Ireland, “is Slainte!” and “Guid Forder”.
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