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 about 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 normally referenced as the Newtown area. The town grew most markedly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel business, which was additionally stimulated 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 actually seen a substantial population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historical borders 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 over the road, inhabiting the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse remains the tallest building in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's principal shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The building was originally a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's appearance today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a major public gallery, which shows national and global modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home renovations, be sure to identify reliable experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.
