Benjamin Guinness

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Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, 1st Baronet (November 1, 1798 - May 19, 1868) was an Irish brewer and philanthropist.

Born in Dublin, he was the son of the second Arthur Guinness (1768-1855), and grandson of the latter's namesake (1725-1803) who founded the Guinness brewery. He joined his father in the business at an early age, and in 1839 took sole control. By 1855, when his father died, Guinness had become the richest man in Ireland, having built up a huge export trade and by continually enlarging the brewery.

Elected Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1851, Guinness entered the House of Commons in 1865 as Conservative representative for Dublin City, serving until his death. In 1860, he undertook, at his own expense, the restoration of the city's St Patrick's Cathedral, an enterprise that cost over £150,000. In recognition of his generosity, he was created a baronet in 1867. He died the following year at his Park Lane London home.

On 24 February 1837 he married his cousin Elizabeth Guinness.

He was succeeded in the baronetcy by his eldest son, Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, who took over the brewery with his brother, Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh.

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by Sir Edward Grogan John Vance	Member of Parliament for Dublin with Jonathan Pim 1865–1868	Succeeded by Jonathan Pim Sir Arthur Guinness
Baronetage of the United Kingdom
Preceded by New creation	Baronet (of Ashford)	Succeeded by Arthur Edward Guinness

[edit] References

• Leigh Rayment's Peerage Page