—another peculiar name. In the time of Edward II. the appellation was
written Sheteplach, then Sotteplace and Soetteplace, probably pronounced
in accordance with the usage of the period, Shottplace. The name was
derived from that of the Salopian family of Soto who had their residence
here, and whose house—a portion of which still remains in a passage on
the left—formed the principal property in the street. One chronicler
indulges the fancy that the origin of the first syllable, Shop, Sotte,
may be found in _sote_, which Chaucer uses for sweet, and that the place
may have been called Sotteplace from its situation or conveniences.
Unfortunately we are bound to reject this poetic derivation of the name,
and accept the more common-place and prosaic etymology.
A few steps from the termination of Shoplatch stands THE THEATRE, at the
bottom of