several places where Guinness learned how to brew. Beer was of such great importance to Irish life in Guinness's time that, in addition to the many breweries on the island, homebrewing was popular among matriarchs, pub owners, and estate managers, and several members of Guinness's family engaged in the process. His maternal grandfather, William Read, had applied for a licence to sell ale in 1690, which he likely brewed himself and sold at a stall on the Dublin—Cork road. Working as a manager for Reverend Price's estate, Richard Guinness had a litany of his own responsibilities, most of which involved housekeeping and managing Price's funds. While it is frequently believed that Guinness had a hand in managing Price's brewery, this is unlikely, as the malt house in Oakley Park was listed as Jasper Carbery's property. This brewery was well known in Kildare for its porter, which had become a popular drink in the United Kingdom during Guinness's childhood. Guinness brewery Guinness purchased his first brewery in Leixlip in 1755. This first brewery, which he acquired in September, was a three-story building that ran from the street to the River Liffey. The river provided him with easy access to water for brewing and for power, while barley was grown in neighbouring farms. Hops, meanwhile, could be easily brought from Dublin, as Leixlip sat along the main Dublin—Galway road. The origin of Guinness's yeast is unknown, but is likely from Kildare and possibly originated from the White Hart Inn. In September 1756, Guinness signed several more Leixlip leases, including a property owned by Philadelphia businessman George Bryan. In 1759, Guinness moved to Dublin, leaving his Leixlip property in the care of his brother Richard. This move coincided with the Seven Years' War, which caused a number of economic upsets in Ireland, culminating in the collapse of several banks and a 1759 financial crisis that created an abundance of affordable property in Dublin. Guinness was interested in acquiring a brewery at St. James's Gate that had been abandoned nine years prior. The site was and contained a brewhouse, a gristmill, two malt houses, and stables. The location was also economically advantageous, as Ireland was in the process of building its Grand Canal, which was intended to terminate just outside of St. James's Gate. Guinness leased the site from the Rainsford family on 31 December 1759. Under the agreement, he made a £100 downpayment