Mark Rainsford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Rainsford
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Contemporary portrait of Rainsford
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| Born | 1651/1652 |
| Died | November 1709 (aged 57) James St, Dublin, Ireland
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| Resting place | St. James Church, James St, Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Brewer, businessman, politician |
| Known for | Founder of what became the Guinness Brewery |
Sir Mark Rainsford (born around 1652, died November 1709) was an important person in Dublin, Ireland. He was the Lord Mayor of Dublin and started the business that later became the famous Guinness Brewery.
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Sir Mark Rainsford's Public Service
Sir Mark Rainsford was a leader in Dublin. He was the Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1700 to 1701. The Lord Mayor is like the city's main leader. During his time, a statue of King William III was shown to the public in College Green, Dublin. This happened on July 1, 1701.
Before becoming Lord Mayor, he was the High Sheriff of Dublin City. He served in this role in 1689 and 1690. The High Sheriff helped keep law and order in the city.
Starting a Famous Business
Sir Mark Rainsford is best known for starting a brewing business. This business was located at St. James's Gate in Dublin. It made 'Beer and Fine Ales'. This very business later grew into the world-famous Guinness Brewery.
After Sir Mark Rainsford, his son, also named Mark Rainsford, took over the business. In 1715, the business was rented out to Captain Paul Espinasse. But by 1750, the Rainsford family had the business back.
The 9,000-Year Lease
Sir Mark Rainsford's grandson, also named Mark Rainsford, made a very important deal. On December 31, 1759, he signed a special agreement. He leased the brewing business and its land to Arthur Guinness. This lease was for an amazing 9,000 years! This is how the Guinness Brewery officially began.
Sir Mark Rainsford's Family Life
Sir Mark Rainsford was married two times. His first wife was Jane Mee. She was the daughter of Giles Mee. Mark and Jane had three sons: Edward, Mark, and Giles Mee. They also had several daughters.
Sir Mark Rainsford bought land in different parts of Ireland. He owned land in Portarlington in Queens County, which is now County Laois. He also had land in County Kildare and County Kilkenny.
Water Rights for Brewing
In 1691, Sir Mark Rainsford's father-in-law, Giles Mee, passed away. From him, Sir Mark inherited important water rights. These rights were for the area around St. James's Gate. He used these water rights to help his brewing business grow.
Sir Mark Rainsford married for a second time on May 16, 1695. His second wife was Isabella Bolton. They were married in St. Michan's Church in Dublin. Sir Mark Rainsford died in 1709. A street in Dublin, Rainsford Street, was named in his honor. It is near the entrance to the Guinness Brewery.
Images for kids
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Thomas Street entrance to St James' Gate Brewery, the site of Rainsford's brewing business
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King William III statue, unveiled during Rainsford's tenure as Lord Mayor
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Arms entry of Mark Raynford, Sheriff of City of Dublin, a Captain of Dublin Militia, 24 September 1690
