During the medieval period the lands later described as Old Park appear to have been attached to the Manor of Archers Court to the east of the estate. In 1462 the manor was divided with the part believed to represent Old Park, then possibly called Little Archers Court, being sold off. From the 18th century onwards this area of land was in fact called the Old Park.

The earliest evidence of a house on Old Park Hill is 1799 when it is described as being "fitted up by Dr Osbourne, which being white, is a distinguished object between the break of these lofty hills to the adjacent country" (Hasted). This may refer to an earlier house being re-fitted, a not uncommon practice of the period. The house appears to have consisted of a square building of Georgian proportions. Other minor buildings are shown to the south west and more susbstantial strucutres, presumably the stables, coach house and porters lodge are to the north-east. Of these buildings the porters lodge and stables/coach house survive intact.

In 1870 the property was purchased by Major Lawes JP and the house was rebuilt and improved. Later views of the mansion show that the building was in Gothic revival style and did not seem to incorporate any earlier elements.

During the First World War the grounds were used as a tented encampment, in May 1916 being occupied by the East Kent Regt (The Buffs). A redoubt was also constructed on top of Whitfield Hill and at Jerusalem Corner. Earthworks in wooded areas on the margins of the estate may relate to trenches and other defensive or practice earthworks thrown up during this period.

In 1938 the estate was sold to the War Department and was converted into a military camp (TR 34 SW 630). (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1999, Former Old Park Barracks, Whitfield, Dover, Proposed Redevelopment, Archaeological Desk Study and Impact Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE7305.