Field names 'Le north Launay' in 1355, 'north' and 'south lawne' in 1642, and 'lawns' in 1826, probably indicate that a distinct block of land associated with the moat originated as a normal medieval deer park or at least was employed for deer management. It is described in 1585 as 'all woods and lands in Lea from Hurst Close on the south to Gainsborough Park on the north and from Upton Side on the east to Lea Field on the west' a total of 354 acres (143ha) including Hermytte Damme, Great and Little Hall Moore closes and Lymekylne close. It lay outside the three or four open fields of Lea, enclosed in about 1723 and stands out as a unit on the estate map of 1826 actually extending to about 634 acres (256ha). Thought to be centred at SK8487. {1} Its area is 256ha. The deer park may have originated when Roger de Trehampton was granted 'free warren' of Lea during the reign of Henry II. A block of land, perhaps a park, associated with the moat, is described in an indenture of 1585. This block of land may be the current Lea Wood, adjoining Gainsborough Park. Sale particulars dated 1913 describe the park as 85 acres of parkland with pleasure grounds. {2}