| Sir Mark Rainsford | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 July 1660 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 10 November 1709 (aged 49) James St, Dublin, Ireland |
| Resting place | St. James Church, James St, Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Brewer, Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Guinness Brewery |
Sir Mark Rainsford (12 July 1660 – 10 November 1709) was an Irish Lord Mayor of Dublin and the original founder of the Guinness Brewery.[1]
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Sir Mark Rainsford was Lord Mayor of Dublin (1700–01). He was also the original founder of Guinness Brewery located in Dublin, Ireland.[2] His grandson also called Mark Rainsford signed over the now famous 9000 year lease to Arthur Guinness on 31 December 1759. The original lease with signatures are viewable on a tour of the Guinness Brewery at the Guinness Storehouse. Rainsford Street which stands at the junction of Crane Street and the entrance to Guinness Brewery was named in his honour.
He was married to Isabella Bolton on 16 May 1695 in St. Michan's Church Dublin. His was married twice, his first wife was Jane Mee the daughter of Giles Mee. He had three sons: Edward, Mark, Giles Mee, and several daughters. He had acquired extensive Land in Portarlington in Queens County (renamed County Laois after 1922) as well as extensive Plantations in County Kildare and County Kilkenny.
It was from Giles Mee, Rainsford's Father-in-law and also a former Lord Mayor of Dublin, that Rainsford inherited certain Water Rights in the district. Upon Giles Mee's death in 1691, Rainsford inherited these water rights and began his brewing business. Rainsford manufactured 'Beer and Fine Ales' and was succeeded by his son , also Mark Rainsford. In 1715 the business went to Captain Paul Espinasse until 1750. Then it fell back into the Rainsford Family. Arthur Guiness acquired the Business from Sir Mark Rainsford's grandson, also Mark in 1759.