Variations of the Name are Bubba, Bubbe, mainly due to the fact that in the early years of this millennium, records were kept in writing by poorly educated clerics. Due to bad writing or ignorance as how to spell (by our standards) names could be interpreted in different ways.

If you have ever asked one of the Computerized Family Name "Experts" for a print out of the name "BUBB", you will have been given the information that the name is French/Norman.

However records show that in the year 1250 Anglo-Saxon Christian names were used by some "Bubba" or "Bubbe" Families. A Norman family would never have used Anglo-Saxon names. I understand folk who still live in the area believe that the name is of Saxon origin.

Later records show that my family line commonly used as their Christian names; The names of past and present Kings or their family. Furthermore it should be remembered that in medieval times and earlier, most families did not possess surnames.

They were simply known as, for example "John of Gaunt". Usually a name which would readily identify them, such as the name of the hamlet in which they lived, their trade, or the way that they looked.

Capt. Elwes writes in 'The Eponymous Families of Great Britain' (This book is in The British Museum) as follows – "It would be interesting to know more of this Family which is believed by several eminent historians to be of Roman origin, on the grounds that BUBBA was the name of a Roman family during the closing years of the Roman occupation."

This of course does not necessarily mean that the original founder of the family in Great Britain was of true Roman origin.

The Roman Empire extended at it’s height over most of Europe, encompassing many different nationalities. The Soldiers of The Roman Empire consisted not only of Roman Citizens, but of many other nationalities and tribes, including French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, Romanian, etc. Normally about 50% of the fighting men were not Roman Citizens, but belonged to the various tribes they had conquered

When a Roman Legionnaire retired after having served his 25 years in the army, he was granted Roman citizenship. He was then granted land in the country that he served in, usually married a local girl and settled down to a quiet farming life. Consequently many of the Roman Villas discovered and excavated in recent years were Farming Settlements founded by ex-Legionnaires.

As The Roman Empire contracted and Roman Troops were withdrawn from Great Britain so the retired Legionnaires stayed on with their families and gradually became absorbed into the local population.

Their status however as ex-Roman citizens stood them in good stead and they usually flourished and prospered at peace with the local population.

Can it be just a coincidence therefore, that for nearly 600 years of The Family's recorded history; The Family was centered around the villages of Bentham, Badgeworth and Witcombe (Wytcumbe), just off Ermine Street, one of the great Roman Roads, and within a stones throw of three Roman Villas, including the well known Villa at Witcombe ?