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 limits growth north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages frequently referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most markedly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the cloth and flannel industry, which was further promoted 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 large population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historic boundaries 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 over the road, occupying 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 2 imposing structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's prime shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The structure was once a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's aesthetics today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a huge public gallery, which shows national and global modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home refurbishments, be sure to identify dependable specialists in Newtown to make certain of quality.