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 usually referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most considerably in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel sector, which was further boosted 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 considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historical boundaries of Montgomeryshire, the town is best recognised 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, occupying the ground floor of the council offices. Built by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse continues to be the tallest structure 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 structure was in times past a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's look today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a huge public gallery, which shows national and global contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home improvements, be sure to find trustworthy contractors in Newtown to make certain of quality.
