David Guinness, a quirky and eccentric former Eton pupil, left a lasting legacy by bequeathing his Grade II listed Gloucestershire home to Emmaus, a local homeless charity. Following his passing at the age of 81 in 2020, the three-bedroom cottage in Stroud—valued at around £180,000—is being prepared to offer a family a new home by Christmas.
Rose Niland, a close friend of David’s for over ten years, paints a vivid portrait of a man who was as compassionate as he was idiosyncratic. Rose, a retired physiotherapist from Stroud, first met David at a Christmas carol service where he played the organ. Born in Belgravia in 1938, David was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, and worked on several engineering projects, including contributions to the US space programme.
Concerned by the rising homelessness in Stroud, David formed bonds with individuals sleeping rough, ultimately deciding to leave his cherished home to Emmaus Gloucestershire. Rose explained, “He wanted to feel he’d made a difference. He reflected often on his achievements and standing, and this bequest was his way of creating lasting impact.”
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David’s eccentric humor shone through in memorable moments, including a humorous “Father Ted” incident where he accidentally caught fire while playing the organ, a quirky episode fondly remembered by Rose.
Lorraine Watson, Chief Operations Officer of Emmaus Gloucestershire, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “How do you thank someone who leaves you a house? We wish David could be here to see the families who will benefit from his generosity.”
David, who had been married before, spent his final two decades living alone in his Stroud home. In conversations with Rose, he was deeply engaged with issues of homelessness and inequality. Sadly, he passed away from COVID-19 in December 2020.
Emmaus took possession of the property in 2022 and is currently refurbishing it. Rose believes David would be “very pleased” with the progress. “If he’s up there, he’d be delighted that it’s happening,” she said, imagining his spirit lingering in the home he so generously entrusted to the community.