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 development north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages typically referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most noticeably in the 18th and 19th centuries around the textile and flannel industry, which was additionally boosted by the conclusion of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' first Chartist demonstration. The town was designated as a 'brand-new town' in 1967. It has actually seen a sizeable population growth as companies and individuals have settled, changing the rural market town character. Lying on the River Severn, within the historic borders of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known 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 is still the tallest structure in Newtown. The 2 imposing structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The building was previously a hotel, The Bear, which brings about the centre's aesthetics today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a huge public gallery, which displays national and foreign contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home developments, make certain to find trustworthy professionals in Newtown to make certain of quality.