This paper discusses research into the area of the medieval and post-medieval deer park, at Downley in West Sussex, which is the focus of the Institute’s current training excavations. The excavations constitute part of a wider project attempting to learn more about the development and function of the park through time. A range of information, which indicated the presence of a substantial lodge building within the park was considered and the 2014 excavations have revealed evidence almost certainly corroborating its presence. The project will continue both on and off site in 2015.