In the hallowed annals of the British aristocracy, some names resonate with opulence and grandeur. Edward Guinness, the 4th Earl of Iveagh, is an inheritor of one such illustrious lineage.
Born into the Guinness dynasty, Edward is the son of Benjamin Guinness, 3rd Earl of Iveagh. He is also the descendant of Arthur Onslow Edward Guinness, Viscount Elveden, and Elizabeth Cecilia Hare, daughter of Richard Hare, 4th Earl of Listowel.
Edward’s extraordinarily wealthy bloodline not only provided him with privileges but also helped him get the stewardship of several historic properties and assets.
In 1992, Edward Guinness received the title of the 4th Earl of Iveagh, received a whopping £62 million worth of Guinness shares and inherited a collection of properties. These extravagant properties hold the weight of centuries of history and culture. Among these notable assets was the magnificent Elveden Hall.
But, as the custodian of these extraordinary properties, Edward Guinness has reportedly failed to maintain their historical grandeur and splendour.
Many reports suggest that Elveden Hall among other properties that are managed by the 4th Earl of Ivegah is poorly maintained, raising serious questions about the legacy he will leave behind.
While his father and grandfather were very well recognized in the community for their careful management of these assets, people are raising questions on Edward Guinness’s conduct.
The date of construction of Elveden Hall is unknown, but the estate was appropriated by Bury St Edmunds Abbey, and later given by Henry VII to the Duke of Norfolk after the dissolution of the monasteries. The ownership of the Hall was passed through Crisp and Tyrell Families. And, in 1863 the Marahajah Duleep Singh- the last ruler of the Sikh Empire purchased the 17000-acre Elveden Hall. He renovated the entire property with the help of architect John Norton.
Duleep Singh’s ownership of the Elveden Hall added more prominence to the place than ever before. He hosted one of the most opulent parties in the hall. The Sikh Empire’s ruler passed away in 1893. It was when the 1st Earl of Iveagh purchased the Elveden Estate in 1894 since then it was passed down to the Guinness bloodline, making Edward Guinness, the 4th Earl of Iveagh the current holder of the property.
The lack of proper maintenance has left the Elveden Hall in ruins. The ceiling now leaks more than often, keep the walls damped, crying out loud for help. Despite such a historic significance, Elveden Hall is in a state of wreckage and a testament to the poor management of the Edward Guinness, the 4th Earl of Iveagh.
