Archaeologists have uncovered part of the medieval friary that gave a Colchester road its name.
A dig in Crouch Street has revealed substantial 13th century ruins just inches below the surface.
They are thought to form part of a chapel where friars once led townsfolk in prayer.
Philip Crummy, of Colchester Archaeological Trust, said: "When the Birkett Long solicitors building was built next door in 1988, we found some foundations and thought they were probably part of the chapel.
"Now we have more evidence and it looks like we were probably right."
The friary survived nearly 300 years until Henry VIII ordered monasteries to be closed down in 1538.
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