The real House of Guinness: 'I definitely think that they thought of themselves as Irish. We were genetically Irish, but with a religion that put us in the minority'

"A Netflix drama about them is on its way, but head of the family Ned Guinness has written his own history of the iconic dynasty. Here, he talks about his idyllic childhood in Farmleigh, the accusations of sectarianism his ancestors faced, why they opposed Irish independence and how the brewery almost moved to Wales Arthur Guinness's great-great-great-great-great grandson would be forgiven for losing track of his names. He was christened Arthur Edward Guinness."

"Officially, he is Edward Guinness, the 4th Earl of Iveagh, and also Viscount Elveden. He is often referred to as Lord Iveagh in media reports. But he prefers to be known by the simple sobriquet of Ned. It can be either Ned Guinness or Ned Iveagh - both are fine, although as he is meeting Weekend in the very house where the original Arthur Guinness lived, Ned Guinness seems most appropriate today."

Ned Guinness is head of the Guinness family and holds formal titles including Edward Guinness, 4th Earl of Iveagh, and Viscount Elveden. He was christened Arthur Edward Guinness but prefers to be called Ned. Childhood memories are described as idyllic and centred on Farmleigh. Ancestors faced accusations of sectarianism and opposed Irish independence. The brewery came close to relocating to Wales at one point. Media often refer to him as Lord Iveagh, while both Ned Guinness and Ned Iveagh are acceptable forms of address. The original Arthur Guinness once lived in the house used for the meeting.

Read at Independent