In this first episode of Series Five of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets genealogist Jenni Phillips, and finds out how she got hooked on family history, why she can't get enough of studying genealogy, her love of family and local history societies, and the lengths she goes to to research house history.

The Life Story - John Spring
Jenni has chosen to tell the life story of her 7x Gt Grandfather John Spring of West Cholderton in Wiltshire, England.

John was a carpenter, baptised in West Cholderton in 1730 to a carpenter and parish clerk Thomas Spring and his wife Mary.  John would go on to inherit his father's carpentry business, and he also inherited a number of thatched cottages... with an  unexpected tenant - a British Army veteran of the American War of Independence - Sir William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe!

How did this Viscount end up in a Wiltshire carpenter's cottage? Jenni had to find out.

The Brick Wall - David Davies
It's a birth and parental puzzle that's been bugging Jenni for a while now, so she's asking for your help to demolish her brick wall.

David Davies is Jenni's 4x Great Grandfather, and she has traced him to New Street, Swansea, Wales during the mid 19th century's censuses. However, his place of birth is not consistent - sometimes Swansea, sometimes Carmarthenshire. Records point to him having been born between 1797 and 1801, but Jenni has found a lot of David Davies candidates in both Swansea and Carmarthenshire as it's quite a common name.

Can you help her find out; 

• Who David Davies' parents were?
• When and where was he born?
• Is there a baptism entry for him?

If you think you can help Jenni with a research idea or a clue, then you can contact her via Twitter at @JenniPh, or alternatively you can send us a message and we'll pass it on.

In the meantime, Jenni can't believe her luck when Andrew offers his help, but was it a wise choice?

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Episode Credits
Series Five, Episode One:

• Andrew Martin - Host and Producer
• Jenni Phillips - Guest
• John Spike - Sándor Petőfi

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