Guinness, Benjamin Lee (1798–1868)

Irish brewer, who was largely responsible for establishing the widespread popularity of the distinctive dark Guinness stout. Under his directorship, the family business grew into the largest of its kind in the world, exporting beer to Britain, Europe, and the United States. He was elected the first Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1851.

Born in Dublin, Benjamin Lee was the grandson of Arthur Guinness (1725–1803), who founded the Guinness Brewery at St James' Gate in 1759. He joined the firm at an early age, gaining sole control on his father's death in 1855. He also represented Dublin as an MP 1865–68, and restored St Patrick's Cathedral (1860–65) in the city at his own expense. He was made 1st Baronet in 1867.