Sir Mark Rainsford

Sir Mark Rainsford
Contemporary portrait of Rainsford
Born	circa 1652 Dublin, Ireland
Died	28 November 1709(1709-11-28) (aged 57) James St, Dublin, Ireland
Resting place	St. James Church, James St, Dublin, Ireland
Occupation	Brewer, Businessman, Politician
Known for	Founder of Guinness Brewery

Sir Mark Rainsford (circa 1652 – 28 November 1709) was an Irish Lord Mayor of Dublin and the original founder of what was to become the Guinness Brewery.

Sir Mark Rainsford was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1700 to 1701. While the Lord Mayor, he presided over the unveiling of the King William III equestrian statue in College Green, Dublin on 1 July 1701. He also served as High Sheriff of Dublin 1690-91.

Rainsford is most noted as the original founder of the Guinness Brewery in St. James's Gate, Dublin. His business manufactured 'Beer and Fine Ales' and he was succeeded by his son - also named Mark Rainsford. In 1715 the business went to Captain Paul Espinasse. In 1750 the business fell back into the Rainsford family. Rainsford's grandson, also called Mark Rainsford, signed over the now famous 9000 year lease to Arthur Guinness on 31 December 1759. The original lease with signatures are viewable on a tour of the Guinness Brewery at the Guinness Storehouse.

Rainsford was married twice - his first wife was Jane Mee the daughter of Giles Mee. He had three sons: Edward, Mark, Giles Mee, and several daughters. He acquired land in Portarlington in Queens County (renamed County Laois after 1922) as well as extensive plantations in County Kildare and County Kilkenny.

In 1691, upon the death of Giles Mee, his father-in-law, Rainsford inherited water rights in the district around St. James's Gate. Using these water rights, Rainsford began his brewing business.

Rainsford was married for the second time, to Isabella Bolton, on 16 May 1695 in St. Michan's Church Dublin. He died in 1709, and Rainsford Street (which stands at the junction of Crane Street and the entrance to Guinness Brewery) was named in his honour.

St James Gate Dublin, the site of Rainsford's brewing business