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 around 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 usually referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most considerably in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel industry, 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 'new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, altering the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historical perimeters of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known as the birthplace 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, taking up the ground floor of the council offices. Built 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 entry. The building was formerly a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's look today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a huge public gallery, which displays national and foreign modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home improvements, make sure to find respected experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.
