Anyone know what the word Bibboth means or signifies?

[CrichCarr]

Hello all,

The editor of our local community magazine and webmaster of our parish history website says "I am transcribing a fascinating long document about the history of St Mary’s Church, Crich, and the impact of what was happening in the wider world upon our church and its community.

I am adding “notes” to explain some of the more archaic terms occasionally used. However, the following sentence has me stumped –

"In about 1230 this Ralph son of Simon of Wessington gave and conceded to the Abbey his ‘Native’, Thurston Bibboth with all his family. Later he gave them another of his ‘Natives’."

(The Ralph was squire of Crich, the Abbey referred to Darley Abbey and at the time Wessington was part of Crich Parish)"

A few ideas have been put forward, but I wondered whether anyone on this board might have heard of the word Bibboth before, and have an idea of its meaning or significance.

Regards,

Alan

[Billyblue]

In the context of the quote, it sounds like a surname.

Is the meaning of 'Natives' - serfs ??
It does say 'with all his family'

Dawn M

[stanmapstone]

From the OED
Native;  Under feudal and similar systems: a person born in bondage; a person born to servants, tenants, etc., and inheriting their status. Now historical

Stan

[goldie61]

I'm with you Billyblue.

In this context, 'Thurston Bibboth' sounds like the person's, (the 'native's'), name.

[Greensleeves]

Bearing in mind that this was only about 60 years after the Norman Conquest, presumably the 'natives' referred to were the indigenous population, as opposed to the Norman conquerors.  Rather sad to think that such a proud people were subjugated in this way.  I agree with the others, that the 'Bibboth' referred to sounds like a surname.  Is everyone certain that the transcription is correct?

[heywood]

He is referenced here

https://archive.org/stream/journalofderbysh15derb#page/30/mode/2up/search/Bibboth

Perhaps it is the same document?

[Colin Cruddace]

As surnames were introduced later, I assume the name is Bibboth and he was from, or born at, Thurston.

Colin

[Andrew Tarr]

Bearing in mind that this was only about 60 years after the Norman Conquest, presumably the 'natives' referred to were the indigenous population, ....

At the risk of sounding pedantic, the date given (1230) was over 160 years after Hastings.  But I'm sure there were still plenty of serfs and villeins about 

[Old Bristolian]

Is there a placename nearby called Thurston? Otherwise Thurstan was a perfectly good saxon name (from the norse) and I suspect Bibboth is an early form of a by-name, like a modern surname to distinguish him from another Thurston. Perhaps relating to a characteristic or place