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 about 8 miles (13 km) 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 frequently referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most markedly 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' first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a substantial population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historical perimeters of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known 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 across the road, inhabiting the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse continues to be the tallest structure in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's principal shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The structure was once a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's aesthetics today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a leading public gallery, which displays national and international contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home enhancements, make sure to identify trustworthy experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.