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 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 frequently referenced as the Newtown region. The town grew most substantially in the 18th and 19th centuries around the fabric and flannel sector, 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 seen a sizeable 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 previous house stood on what is now the site of the HSBC Bank. The Robert Owen Museum is across the road, filling the ground floor of the council offices. Constructed by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, the Pryce Jones Royal Welsh Warehouse remains the tallest structure in Newtown. The 2 towering structures housed the world's first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's prime shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entry. The structure was in times past 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 main public gallery, which features national and international contemporary art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all of your home renovations, make certain to identify trustworthy professionals in Newtown to make certain of quality.