The Down Survey barony map of Sheelogher from 1655-6 marks this site as consisting of both a tower and a house in what was then called ‘Goshinstowne’ townland, now modern-day Goslingstown. Today, the structure survives as a roofless ruin, but its walls tell a complex story of architectural adaptation spanning several centuries.

The castle’s history traces back to Norman times when it was held by the de Valle (or Wall) family, before passing to the Comerfords through marriage around 1560. In the 1600s, the property, then owned by Thomas See, an Irish Catholic, was granted to the Duke of York, who would later become King James II. Archaeological inspection in 1993 revealed that the building began life as a medieval tower, which was subsequently enlarged into a more comfortable dwelling house during the late 16th or early 17th century, before undergoing Georgian modifications around 1750.

The name itself has an interesting evolution; Hogan’s 1860 account notes that Bamford was formerly called Banfield, and describes how part of the original castle was incorporated into what was then a commodious dwelling house. Visitors to the ruins today can still observe evidence of this medieval core in the substantial masonry work, particularly noticeable in the depth of the window jambs and the thickness of the walls that once formed the south wing of the later house.