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 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 commonly referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the cloth and flannel business, which was additionally encouraged by the completion of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'brand-new town' in 1967. It has seen a significant population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historical perimeters of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known as the birthplace of Robert Owen in 1771. His one-time 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. Built by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is still the tallest structure in Newtown. The two imposing structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entry. The building was previously 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 main public gallery, which displays national and global modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home refurbishments, make certain to find reliable professionals in Newtown to make certain of quality.