If you are averse to a pint of Guinness then we're sorry to say you are firmly in the minority. As of 2023, it's Britain's favourite beer, but given its relatively new cultural cachet it's easy to forget quite how rich the stout's history is.
Founded in Ireland in the 18th century, Guinness was first created by Arthur Guinness at St James's Gate in Dublin. However, it was his son Benjamin who turned it into a global brand, and Benjamin's four children who determined its legacy. All of which is the subject of the new Netflix drama, House of Guinness, which tells the story of the family dynasty across eight episodes.
If you plan to spend your weekend binging the whole series (with a well-poured Guinness in hand) and want to know more about Adelaide Guinness then you've come to the right place.
Who is Adelaide Guinness?
Adelaide Maria Guinness, known as Dodo, was the wife of Edward Guinness, the head of the family's brewing business and the richest man in Ireland. Edward later became known as Baron Iveagh of County Down and was managing director of the Guinness partnership company from his father's death in 1868 to 1889.
In 1873, he married Adelaide, his third cousin. She was descended from the banking line of the Guinness family, and was the daughter of Richard Guinness, barrister and MP, and his wife Katherine, a daughter of Sir Charles Jenkinson, 10th Baronet.
Arthur and Adelaide had three sons: Rupert Guinness, Arthur Ernest Guinness and Walter Guinness. She died in 1916 at the age of 72.
Who plays Adelaide Guinness in House of Guinness?
Ann Skelly, best known for her performances in The Nevers and The Sandman, plays Adelaide Guinness in the new Netflix show.
What was Adelaide Guinness' job?
The daughter of Richard Samuel Guinness MP and Katherine Frances Guinness née Jenkinson, Adelaide became Baroness Iveagh of Iveagh in 1891 after her marriage. In 1905 she became Viscountess of Iveagh.
What is House of Guinness about?
The eight-part series by Steven Knight centres on the family behind the Guinness brewing company in 19th century Ireland and New York, and the consequences following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben.
Where can I watch House of Guinness?
The entire series is now available to stream on Netflix. If you want to find out more about how the modern day Guinness' feel about the series, read Grazia's recent interview with Daphne Guinness, who calls the name 'a blessing and a curse'.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).