Newtown
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 around 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 region. The town grew most considerably in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel sector, which was additionally promoted by the conclusion of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' very first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a large population growth as companies and individuals have settled, altering the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historical boundaries 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 over the road, inhabiting the ground floor of the council offices. Constructed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse remains the tallest structure in Newtown. The two imposing structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The building was formerly 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 major public gallery, which shows national and international modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home refurbishments, be sure to identify reliable experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.