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 about 8 miles (13 km) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which restricts development 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 textile and flannel business, which was further boosted 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 seen a sizeable population growth as companies and people have settled, altering 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, taking up the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is the tallest structure in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The building was in times past a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's appeal today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a huge public gallery, which displays national and overseas contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home remodelings, make certain to find reputable specialists in Newtown to make certain of quality.