_St. Botolph_ (Vol. v., p. 396.).--Your correspondent A. B. has
anticipated an inquiry I was about to make as to the history of this
saint, which I am desirous of learning. It is a rather singular
circumstance that three churches dedicated to St. Botolph, and all of
ancient foundation, are situated immediately without gates of the city,
viz. at Aldgate, Bishopsgate, and Aldersgate. There was also before the
Great Fire a church similarly dedicated at Billingsgate, and a
water-gate, called Buttolph's gate (_vide_ Stow).
I can hardly imagine that this is merely a coincidence, and should be
glad to know whether any explanation can be given of it.