Austin Friars was an Augustinian friary from its foundation in the 1260s, until its dissolution in 1538.
Austin Friars covered an area of about 5.5 acres and had a resident population of about 60 friars. There was a church and a complex of buildings providing accommodation and other spaces for the friars and visiting students. A large part of the precinct was occupied by gardens providing vegetables, fruit and medicinal herbs.
The street can be ascertained to coming into existence soon after.