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 frequently referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most markedly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the cloth and flannel industry, which was additionally encouraged by the conclusion 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 seen a considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historic limits of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known 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, inhabiting the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse remains the tallest building in Newtown. The 2 imposing structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The building was once a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's appeal today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a main public gallery, which shows national and worldwide contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home improvements, make sure to find reliable experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.