History

In 1890 Edward Cecil Guinness, great grandson of the founder of the Guinness Brewery gave £200,000 to set up The Guinness Trust. In today's money this would be the equivalent of £15million. His purpose was to help the many people in London and Dublin who found themselves destitute and unable to afford decent homes.

First schemes
The first schemes to be built in London were Brandon Street, Draycott Avenue and Columbia Road. Even then, the first Trustees were concerned with more than just housing as they provided heated clubrooms, hot water and bathing attendants.

At the beginning of the 20th century, The Iveagh Trust based in Dublin took responsibility for Ireland and continues its work there today.

Growth
The Guinness Trust extended its objectives outside London in 1962 and today operates in all English regions.

Throughout its history the Trust has seen bursts of building activity and periods of consolidation. This has led to the hugely diverse portfolio of housing that the Trust holds today.

In recent years the Trust has been heavily engaged in the regeneration and transfer of local authority estates. Recent transfers have included Darnhill near Rochdale, Naish Court, London and Woolton in Liverpool.

Today
Edward Cecil Guinness' philosophy still inspires the Trust today and underpins its long term approach to providing good quality homes and supporting lasting communities. Today the Guinness Trust, part of The Guinness Partnership, has no links with the brewery.