Newtown
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 nearly 8 miles (13 kilometres) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which limits development north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages frequently referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most markedly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel market, 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 'brand-new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a large population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historic limits 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 across the road, inhabiting 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 two imposing structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The structure was in times past a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's aesthetics today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a notable public gallery, which shows national and international modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home improvements, be sure to find trusted professionals in Newtown to make certain of quality.