House of Guinness explores Ireland’s most famous family in the 19th century, raising questions about their current standing. The Guinness family is one of the most storied in Irish history, with the brand’s conception in the 1800s leading to a lasting dynasty constantly involved in the country’s political and social affairs.
Netflix’s latest series, created by Peaky Blinders showrunner Steven Knight, examines the family around 1868, when Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness passed away, leaving the famous brewery behind to his sons Arthur and Edward. At the time, Sir Benjamin was the wealthiest man in Ireland, but much has changed in the many decades since.
The Guinness Family’s Net Worth Is Estimated At $1.147 Billion Today
According to The Times rich list, which accounts for the 350 richest people or families in the UK, the Guinness family is worth £856 million, which equates to $1.147 billion USD. They’re ranked in the UK due to the family being Anglo-Irish, and it’s also worth noting that the Guinnesses have held English ceremonial titles for many years.
Unlike in the early days, when the family’s value came primarily from Guinness beer, the dynasty’s wealth is now composed of a much broader pool of industries. The Guinness brand is now owned by the multinational company Diageo, which also owns Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, and over 200 other alcohol brands.
The Guinness family has notably invested in Irish property for centuries, with them buying up historic residences, brewery buildings, and more. They also invested in land in Canada very early on, before the country was built up to its current state, and they’re still involved in real estate in various countries today.
As of 2017, the Guinness family had a £200m stake in Diageo (via Irish Independent), so a sizable portion of their income is still coming from the Guinness beer. However, the family isn’t involved in managing the business as they were in House of Guinness.
How The Guinness Family’s Net Worth Today Compares To Their Financial Standing In 1868
At the time of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness’s death, his wealth was valued at £1,100,000, which, adjusted for inflation, would be upwards of $100 billion USD according to various sites. This is, of course, an outrageous number, especially given how much the Guinness family is currently priced at.
Still, at the time of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness’s death, his will was the largest that had ever been recorded in Ireland. The family is still extremely wealthy, but Benjamin Lee Guinness was on a different level during the time before House of Guinness.