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 almost 8 miles (13 km) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which restricts growth north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages often referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most substantially in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel business, which was additionally encouraged 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 actually seen a sizeable population growth as companies and people have settled, altering the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historic borders 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 over the road, inhabiting the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is still the tallest structure in Newtown. The 2 imposing structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The structure was originally a hotel, The Bear, which contributes to the centre's appeal today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a notable public gallery, which features national and worldwide modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home renovations, make certain to find credible experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.