An archaeological watching brief was carried out at 51-53 Butt Road, Colchester in advance of the construction of side and rear extensions (planning application 152570). All groundworks were excavated by machine under archaeological supervision. The new foundations totalled 24.4m in length and measured 0.45m wide and 1m deep. A sandy-loam, probably from modern landscaping/terracing (L1, 300-400mm thick) sealed natural sand (L2). No significant archaeological horizons were identified, with only modern features and landscaping/terracing recorded. A piece of human arm bone and a large sherd of amphora were recorded from modern contexts (L1), most likely from a disturbed burial (or burials).<1>