Newtown
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 roughly 8 miles (13 km) from the Wales-England border, in the narrow valley of the river Severn which restricts growth 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 industry, which was further encouraged 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 seen a considerable population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character. Resting on the River Severn, within the historic perimeters of Montgomeryshire, the town is best recognised as the birth place of Robert Owen in 1771. His one-time 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 is still the tallest structure in Newtown. The two towering structures housed the world's very first mail order service depot. Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre, has a Tudor-style entrance. The building was once a hotel, The Bear, which contributes to the centre's look today. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and of Oriel Davies, a major public gallery, which shows national and worldwide modern art and craft. Newtown hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965. For all your home refurbishments, make sure to find respected specialists in Newtown to make certain of quality.