Steven Knight, known for creating shows like Peaky Blinders and SAS Rogue Heroes, is now telling the true story of the Guinness family in his new series, House of Guinness.
The show features Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea, and James Norton, and follows their characters over several years. Their lives are shaped by what their father left them in his will, the decisions they make, and the political climate of the era.
Those familiar with Julian Fellowes’ previous work will recognize his tendency to blend historical events with fictional storytelling. This time, however, it begs the question: how much of what we’re seeing actually happened?
Read on for everything you need to know about the true story behind House of Guinness.
Is House of Guinness based on a true story?
Yes, the story is based on real people. The Guinness family – Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Benjamin – actually existed, and many of the other characters in the show were also real individuals.
The story takes place in 1800s Dublin and New York, starting right after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, a historical figure.
In 1759, Sir Benjamin’s grandfather, Arthur, secured a remarkably long lease – lasting 9,000 years – for the brewery property. By 1855, Sir Benjamin had expanded the business internationally, becoming Ireland’s wealthiest man.
The show’s concept comes from Ivana Lowell, a descendant of the Guinness family and the inspiration behind the series. She collaborated with the creator to share stories about her ancestors.
Lowell initially intended to begin the series while the recipe for Guinness stout was still being developed. However, it was Knight who ultimately decided to move forward with the project after Sir Benjamin Guinness, the founder’s grandson, passed away in 1868.
How much of House of Guinness is based on real history?
The main characters in the show are inspired by actual people from the Guinness family, and a lot of the events depicted really happened in history.
Arthur Guinness’s oldest son, Arthur Jr., naturally assumed he’d inherit the brewery. However, his father’s will required him to share ownership with his brother, Edward.
Their sister, Anne, received only a small inheritance but dedicated her life to helping the needy and ill in Dublin. Their brother, Benjamin, didn’t inherit much either, largely because of his struggles with alcohol.
The show’s storyline about Irish revolutionaries, known as Fenians, attacking Guinness is based on real historical events.
Like most historical dramas, the show takes creative liberties with characters’ thoughts and includes fictional private moments and events. It also features a completely made-up character, Sean Rafferty, played by James Norton.
Lowell explained to the BBC that bringing in the character Refferty – a brewery foreman known for resolving family issues – added the drama and emotional intensity needed to make the story compelling.
Get ready to stream the story of Guinness on Netflix starting September 25th, 2025! Subscriptions begin at just £5.99 per month. You can also watch Netflix through Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
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2025-09-24 18:16