Ladies of Oakley Park
1906
Maura 2018
Cristina 2026
Oakley Park House & Stud Farm
A 400 Year History
Timeline History
Before 1649
During the reign of Henry VIII (1509–1547), the Betagh family resided at the “Old Castle” on the estate.
Parts of the original wall and tunnel still stand today.
Following the Cromwellian settlement, the Betagh family were dispossessed of their lands.
Around 1649
Oakley Park House is believed to have its origins in a ruin of a castle, which may have been where the Oakley family resided
1710
Mr. Joseph Williams is said to have resided in the house and is supposed to have built a new house in 1715
1730-1829
The Crawford family moved to Oakley Park in 1730 and remained for 99 years.
1815
The main road from Kells to Moynalty is repositioned, providing more space around the house, leading to the development of the parkland and yard
1837-1839
George Bomford significantly enlarged the house between 1837–1839, nearly doubling its size.
Around the time of the Great Famine (mid-1840s), a 2.5-acre walled garden was constructed to the west of the house.
George Bomford served as High Sheriff of County Meath in 1860.
Oakley Park comprised 744 acres.
By 1876, the wider Bomford landholdings in Meath and Westmeath totaled over 2,400 acres.
Oakley Park shares architectural characteristics with other Morrison-designed estates, including Ballyfin and Fota House.
1955
After 118 years, the last Bomford Lt. Col George Bomford sold Oakley Park
1979
Since 1955, the McGuinness family have operated a successful thoroughbred breeding and training establishment at Oakley Park for nearly 70 years.
Notable horses include Justified and Big Matt, both successful in graded races in Ireland and the UK.
Tree planting
The Crawfords and Bomfords were associated with the Whigs ("Wigs") as they planted oak trees. On the other hand, if you were a Tory, you planted elm trees. The Whigs and Tories were two major political factions in Anglo Irish history, and their names are associated with specific political leanings.
Families That Have Lived At Oakley Park
The Betagh Family
The history of Oakley Park can be traced back to the time of Henry VIII when it was owned by the Betagh family, who resided in the Old Castle. Parts of the wall and tunnel still stand to this day.
The Oakley Family
Around 1649, the Oakley Family constructed Oakley Manor. In 1709, Joseph Williams became a resident of the estate.
The Crawfords Family
By 1730, the Crawfords family had moved into Oakley Park and remained there until 1829. In 1784, Robert Crawford passed away, leaving his sons Robert and John. Jason, John's son, succeeded him, and it was the Rev Jason Crawford who married Henrietta Rowley in 1797. Maperath was a neighboring estate to the west, and a road was built from Oakley Park's yard, around the back of the walled garden, following the river to reach Maperath.
The Maxwell Crawford Family
In 1829, John Maxwell Crawford succeeded to the estate and moved the family back to Fermanagh.
The Bomford Family
In 1837, George and Arabella Bomford purchased Oakley Park. George Bomford significantly expanded the house between 1837-1839, 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, totaling 2,400 acres. In the 1860s, an additional 433 acres was added to the house, and the 2.5 Acre Walled Garden was built around the Famine years of 1847. John Francis, George's second son, succeeded to Oakley Park. George Lyndon Bomford, the oldest son, returned to Oakley in 1895 after working as a pony express rider in Texas. Upon his return he served with the Land Commission throughout Ireland. Oakley Park remained a major Bomford house in Co Meath for 118 years until Lt. Col. George Bomford sold it to Lawrence McGuinness in 1955.
The McGuinness Family
Lawrence McGuinness acquired Oakley Park in 1955. The McGuinness family successfully operated a thoroughbred breeding and training establishment for 68 years, producing notable winners such as Justified and Big Matt in graded races in Ireland and the UK.