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 around 8 miles (13 km) 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 significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel sector, which was further 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, altering the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historic borders of Montgomeryshire, the town is best recognised as the birth place 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, taking up the ground floor of the council offices. Developed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse is the tallest building in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's major shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entryway. The building was originally a hotel, The Bear, which adds to the centre's look today. Newtown is additionally the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a major public gallery, which displays national and foreign contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home improvements, make sure to find dependable experts in Newtown to make certain of quality.