Newtown is the largest town in the county of Powys, Wales. It had a permanent resident population of 12783 in 2001, falling to 11357 at the 2011 census. Newtown is nearly 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which limits growth north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages generally referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel business, which was further promoted by the conclusion of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'new town' in 1967. It has seen a substantial population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing 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 previous house stood on what is now the site of the HSBC Bank. The Robert Owen Museum is across the road, taking up the ground floor of the council offices. Constructed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is the tallest building in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entry. The structure was in times past a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's look today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a main public gallery, which features national and foreign modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home refurbishments, be sure to identify reputable experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.