Newtown
Newtown is the largest town in the county of Powys, Wales. It had a permanent resident population of 12783 in 2001, dropping to 11357 at the 2011 census. Newtown is roughly 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which restricts development north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages generally referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most noticeably in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel industry, which was further boosted by the completion of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' very first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'brand-new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, altering the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historical perimeters of Montgomeryshire, the town is best recognised as the birth place of Robert Owen in 1771. His former house stood on what is now the site of the HSBC Bank. The Robert Owen Museum is over the road, filling the ground floor of the council offices. Constructed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is the tallest structure in Newtown. The two towering structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's principal shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The structure was at one time a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's appearance today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a notable public gallery, which features national and international contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home enhancements, make sure to find credible specialists in Newtown to make certain of quality.
