George & Arbella

In 1837, George and Arbella Winter Bomford purchased Oakley Park. George Bomford significantly expanded the house during this time, serving as a Justice of the Peace and later becoming High Sheriff of Co. Meath in 1860. By 1876, George Bomford held substantial land in Meath and Westmeath, including additional lands in Co Meath at Drumlargan, Knockstown, Baltrasna, Clonfad, and Rattin, totaling 4242 Acres with an Annual Rent income of 3,763 Pounds in the 1840s.

In the 1860s, further developments unfolded as a 3rd addition was seamlessly integrated into the back of the house, marking a notable period of expansion. Additionally, around the Famine years, the 2.5 Acre Walled Garden was constructed. John Francis, George's second son, succeeded to Oakley Park, and George Lyndon Bomford, the eldest son, returned to Oakley in 1895 after working as a pony express rider in Texas. He later served with the Land Commission throughout Ireland.

Oakley Park retained its prominence as a significant Bomford residence in Co. Meath for 118 years until Lt. Col. George Bomford decided to sell it to Lawrence McGuinness in 1955. George Bomford and Arbella Winter Bomford were married at Agher Church on July 23rd, 1832, and their union resulted in a family of 11 children, consisting of 6 girls and 5 boys. Their names are as follows, in chronological order: 

Anne was born in Dublin September 13th 1833.

George Winter born in Dublin November 12th 1834.

Arbella Anna born in Dublin November 17th 1836. Died (three months later) February 24th 1837 (buried at Agher, see below).

John Francis born at Oakley Park December 22nd 1837. (Baptised at Agher 4th of March 1838 by the Rector, John Kellet.)

Arbella Anna born at Agher 19th August 1839. (Baptised at Agher 29th of September 1839  by the Rector, John Kellet.)

Samuel Stephen born at Oakley Park 18th of April 1841. (Baptised at Agher 3rd June 1841 by Rev Francis Pratt Winter who was then aged 70)  Died August 22nd 1872 in India, aged 31.

Elizabeth born at Oakley Park 18th May 1843.  (Baptized at Agher 30th of June 1843.)

Victoria Adela born at Oakley Park the 19th November 1849.

Arthur Chichester born at Oakley Park 27th July 1851. (Died 14th October 1854 and buried at Agher 17th October, see below).

Margaret Winter born at Oakley Park 16th October 1855.

Robert Laurence born at Oakley Park 3rd September 1857.

The Bomford Family Crest

Arms: The arms feature a blue shield with a significant white band, about one-third of the shield's height. This white band is adorned with three red crosses. The blue symbolizes sincerity, and the white, resembling a belt, represents peace. The crosses on the band signify a belief in the Trinity.

Crest: The crest includes a golden Griffin, a mythical creature with a lion's body, an eagle's beak and wings, seated with raised wings. The Griffin is adorned with a red cross on its shoulder, consisting of three crosses pointed at the ends. The cross on the shoulder is the same as the one in the arms.

Motto: The motto is "Justus et Fidelis," which translates to "Just and Faithful." It reflects the principles and values associated with the family or entity represented by these arms.