Entire family tree of House of Guinness explained

Netflix’s latest period drama, House of Guinness, was released on September 25, 2025. The series follows a family navigating business, politics, and personal struggles after the death of the patriarch. Created by Steven Knight, the series dramatises the lives of the famous Guinness brewing family in Ireland following the sudden passing of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in 1868.

House of Guinness follows Sir Benjamin’s four children and heirs: Arthur, Benjamin, Edward, and Anne. They attempt to manage the brewery, continue Sir Benjamin’s philanthropic work, and navigate the political tensions surrounding the family. With uncles, aunts, cousins, and spouses playing important roles in the story, the Guinness family tree can be confusing to follow and remember as you watch the show.

Here’s a clear guide to the House of Guinness family tree.

The family tree in the House of Guinness explained

House of Guinness opens with the death of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, whose funeral procession through Dublin sparks unrest among groups who opposed him. Born in 1798, Benjamin was the son of Arthur Guinness II and married his cousin, Elizabeth Guinness. They had four children together, Arthur, Benjamin, Edward, and Anne, who we see dealing with the aftermath of their father's death.

Arthur Guinness (played by Anthony Boyle) is the eldest son of Sir Benjamin. At the time of his father’s Arthur returns from London to take his place as head of the family. Though he has little desire to take charge of the brewery business, his father’s will forces him to share responsibility with his younger brother Edward or risk losing his entire inheritance. Arthur also pursues a seat in Parliament, hoping to continue his father’s political legacy.

The series reveals another layer to his story: Arthur is secretly homosexual, which was illegal at the time. To protect his reputation, he marries Lady Olivia, daughter of an indebted earl, forming a relationship based more on strategy than love.

Benjamin Guinness, played by Fionn O’Shea, is the second son of Sir Benjamin. Unlike his siblings, Benjamin struggles with alcohol and gambling, making him an unreliable son, and one whom Sir Benjamin doesn't leave any responsibility, only an annual allowance. Benjamin joins the Royal Horse Guards and weds Lady Henrietta St. Lawrence, but the marriage is unhappy. He is truly in love with another woman, Charlotte, which adds further complications to his life.

Anne Guinness is Sir Benjamin's only daughter, played by Emily Fairn, is married to William Plunket. She begins the series already settled into her role as a wife and later becomes a mother to their first child, William Plunket Jr. Although Anne wishes to take more control after her father’s passing, societal norms of the time prevent her from exercising real authority. Instead, she is tasked with arranging marriages for her brothers while leading charitable efforts on behalf of the family.

Edward Guinness, the youngest sibling, played by Louis Partrid, is portrayed as the most committed to the brewery business. Unlike Arthur and Benjamin, he wants to take control of the business and thrives in the role, overseeing expansions and improvements to the Guinness operations. Edward eventually marries Adelaide Guinness, a cousin from the family’s banking branch, who understands the demands of the business and family, and supports his ambitions.

Extended family

The Guinness family is not just limited to the four siblings. Other relatives also play major roles in the story. Aunt Agnes Guinness (played by Dervla Kirwan) helps guide the younger generation and oversees marriage arrangements to safeguard the family’s interests. Reverend Henry Grattan (played by Michael Colgan), often called “uncle” though technically a cousin of Sir Benjamin, strongly disapproves of the family’s activities. He also accuses Arthur of stealing his inheritance.

Byron Hedges (played by Jack Gleeson) is introduced as a distant cousin through Patricia White Guinness. He later leads the family’s expansion into America. Lady Olivia Hedges (played by Danielle Galligan) is Arthur’s wife, securing her family’s financial future through the marriage. Adelaide Guinness (played by Ann Skelly) marries Edward, uniting the brewing and banking branches of the family.

By the end of House of Guinness Season 1, the family tree grows further with new marriages and children. It shows the darker side of having a famous name and being part of a family with influence. With its intricate relationships, House of Guinness offers a dramatic look at one of Ireland’s most powerful families during a time of change.

House of Guinness is streaming on Netflix.

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