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 approximately 8 miles (13 kilometres) 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 regularly referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most markedly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel industry, which was further boosted by the completion 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 seen a considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historical limits of Montgomeryshire, the town is best recognised 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, filling the ground floor of the council offices. Built by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is the tallest building in Newtown. The two imposing structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The building was at one time a hotel, The Bear, which contributes to the centre's appeal today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a major public gallery, which displays national and overseas modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home refurbishments, make certain to identify trusted contractors in Newtown to make certain of quality.
