Newtown (Y Drenewydd) is the largest town in the county of Powys, Mid Wales with a population of 12,783 (2001). Lying on the River Severn, the town is best known as the birthplace of Robert Owen in 1771 with his former house now being a museum.

History

Early period

Newtown was founded at the end of the thirteenth century when Edward I commissioned Roger de Montgomerie to construct a centre for the hamlet of Llanfair-yng-Nghedewain situated near the ford (crossing) on the River Severn below the Long Bridge and around the church of St Mary in Cedewain, from which Newtown takes its original Welsh name. The foundation is intimately connected to the fate of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, last of the Welsh princes whose administrative centre at Dolforwyn Castle near Abermule so alarmed Edward I that it was besieged and Llewelyn's lands seized and granted to the Mortimers who transferred the administration of Cedewain and Kerry from Dolforwyn Castle to the new settlement at Newtown.

Later Period

The town grew in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries around the textile and flannel industry and the arrival of the Montgomeryshire Canal. In 1838, the town saw Wales' first Chartist demonstration.

The town was designated as a "new town" in 1967 and has seen a large population growth as companies and people have settled, changing the rural market town character and today the town has developed into the largest town in Mid Wales.

Newtown also hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1965.

Geography

The most central populated town in Wales, Newtown sits approximately 20 miles from the English border. It was built within a narrow valley, restricting development north and south of the town. Newtown is surrounded by small villages often referenced as the Newtown area. If Newtown were to include all its postal villages town's population would come close to 20,000.

Buildings and Monuments

The Royal Welsh Warehouse was built by Pryce Jones and remains the tallest building in Newtown. The two towering structures housed the world's first mail order service depot.

Bear Lanes, the town's main shopping centre sports a Tudor style entrance. The building was once a hotel, The Bear, which explains the mall's appearance today.

A statue of Robert Owen was erected in 1956 in a small park off Shortbridge street and Gas street. A replica statue was later built in Manchester, England.

The Free Library building, designed by the architect Frank Shayler of Shrewsbury was built in 1902.

Twinning

Newtown is twinned with:

• Les Herbiers, Pays de la Loire

Museums and Galleries

Robert Owen Museum

Textile Museum

W H Smith Museum

Oriel Davies Gallery

Transport

Newtown is currently served by Arriva Trains Wales at its station. The majority of the local bus services, both within the town and serving other nearby locations are operated by privately owned, local companies. Newtown is served by two National Express services per day; the Aberystwyth to London and its return counterpart. Due to the town being situated in a valley plans for a much needed bypass have been frequently rescinded. As a result the A483 and A489 roads which merge on the town are often over crowded and can cause severe delays.

The Montgomery Canal originally terminated in Newtown, but following its closure in 1944 the section in Newtown was sold, and subsequently built on. Few signs of the canal remain, though Canal Road and Lower Canal Road remain.

Notable People

• Robert Owen
• George Latham
• Sian Lloyd
• Lembit Opik

Theatr Hafren

Theatr Hafren is one of the most popular theatres in Mid Wales. Despite its small 548 capacity, the venue has attracted many big name performers and produced numerous acclaimed shows. Past notable performers have included Lee Evans, Jools Holland, Phil Jupitus, and Sir Bob Geldof. The Theatre is also a part of the Coleg Powys complex, and often allows drama students to use its facilities.

Sport

Newtown A.F.C. is one of the most well known names in football (soccer) in Wales. Co-founders of the Welsh Football League, the club boasts a proud history, most recently twice finishing runners-up in the League of Wales in the mid 90's. The club also entered the qualifying stages of the UEFA Cup on two occasions. Newtown AFC are one of only a handfull of teams to have remained in the Welsh Premier since its formation in 1990.

Latham Park, Newtown AFC's football stadium is widely regarded as the best in the league. A capacity of 5000 (1,750 seated), the ground has undergone major development in the last 10 years, achieving a full UEFA licence, allowing under-21 international games and European games to be played there. Despite the facilities, the club struggles to attract a large fanbase, with attendances averaging around 300. In 2007, another 250 seater stand was built next to the media gantry, with future developments planned.

Newtown RFC is the town's rugby union club which was established in 1925. It presently has a large membership fielding a First, Second, Third and Junior team.

The town also has popular non-professional clubs in Cricket and Tennis. A basketball club, the Newtown Titans, was also established in 2005.

References

External links

• RobertOwen.midwales.com - Robert Owen Museum
• Newtownweather.co.uk - Newtown Weather Website
• Newtown.org.uk - Official Newtown Website
• NewtownWales.co.uk - Newtown Website
• Newtown-MC.co.uk - The Newtown And District Automobile Club Ltd
• NewtownLive.co.uk - Newtown News and Entertainment guide
• NewtownTitans.com - Newtown Titans U15 basketball team
• Newtown High School's Website - The Website for the only secondary school in Newtown