Explore Penrhyn Castle in Netflix’s Captivating Drama House of Guinness Filmed in Bangor
**Netflix Drama Highlights Penrhyn Castle as Guinness Family Home**
Discover the Historic Penrhyn Castle in Netflix’s Latest Drama
A captivating new Netflix drama, inspired by the legacy of the Guinness family, has put a spotlight on Penrhyn Castle in North Wales. The period drama, titled The House of Guinness, delves into the family’s intricate story. Despite being set in 19th Century Dublin and New York, the series has creatively utilized Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, Gwynedd, as a stand-in for the family’s original home in Ireland, Ashford Castle.
The Guinness Legacy and Its Impact
Created by Steven Knight, known for Peaky Blinders, and starring James Norton, the series traces the aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death in 1868. It explores how his passing affected his children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, and their stewardship over the world’s largest brewery. Steve Knight noted that the series beautifully blends fact and fiction, likening its dramatic elements to popular shows like Succession and The Crown.
Penrhyn Castle’s Architectural Parallels
According to the National Trust, Penrhyn Castle is rich in Norman-style architecture, mirroring Ashford Castle in Ireland. Both castles were designed to appear ancient, crafted by the industrialists of the Victorian era to exude historical gravitas. Penrhyn Castle’s opulent interiors and significant art collection stand testament to a history steeped in wealth from slate and sugar trades, alongside themes of social inequality and unrest.
Filming Locations Across the UK and Ireland
Extensive filming for the series took place across North Wales and England’s North West regions. Executive producer Karen Wilson highlighted the challenge in finding locations that could authentically represent 19th Century Dublin. The production team searched extensively throughout Ireland and the UK, particularly in Manchester, Liverpool, and Yorkshire, to recreate the era’s ambiance.
Welcoming the Series at Penrhyn Castle
Ceri Williams, the general manager for Penrhyn Castle under National Trust Cymru, expressed excitement over the castle’s feature in the series. The show’s themes of wealth and class conflicts resonate deeply with Penrhyn Castle’s historical narrative. The castle’s connection to slavery-derived wealth and its role in British industrial history is acknowledged as a critical component of its complex heritage.
The House of Guinness Streaming Now
The House of Guinness, consisting of eight episodes, premiered on Netflix on 25 September. As viewers immerse themselves in this enthralling story, National Trust staff anticipate the joy of spotting Penrhyn Castle’s majestic features throughout the series. With its fascinating blend of history and drama, The House of Guinness offers a unique window into the storied past of a renowned family and their indelible impact on the world.
