Look local: Newtown’s old school virtues

Nestled on the banks of the River Severn, Newtown is one of the largest towns in Powys in mid-Wales. At the end of the 13th century King Edward I issued a charter allowing Newtown to hold a market on Tuesdays – a tradition that still continues today.

The market town came to prominence in the 19th century when the newly completed Montgomeryshire Canal facilitated the blossoming textile and flannel industry. Social reformer Robert Owen helped to put Newtown on the map for founding the international co-operative movement.

Today, Newtown’s ‘small town’ appeal is evident with the wide variety of shops, accommodation and attractions including t14.9 he Robert Owen Museum and Statue, the Textile Museum, the Hafren Theatre and major art gallery, Oriel Davies Gallery.