Newtown
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Newtown memories
Read and share memories of Newtown and Powys inspired by Frith photos
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Powys memories
Days gone by
Attended Sunday school in the village school in the 1950s, and went to church sometimes, too. All a very long time ago of course, bearing in mind today is the 1st of January 2008. 2 sets of Grandparents, and at least 25 other relatives are resting in the churchyard, some quite close to the entrance.
A memory of Llanwnog contributed by Native Ofhere
Childhood in Welshpool
I was born & spent my childhood in Welshpool. St Mary's was our Parish Church, it has beautiful stained glass windows which always fascinated me as a child. I was christened and confirmed in this Church and later in May 1965 my husband and I were married there by the Curate, the Reverand Michael Butler. I remember that it was a sunny day but there was a stiff breeze so, instead of having our Wedding photographs taken on the Church steps (which are just out of sight below the entrance porch in the picture) we had to move to the Red Bank entrance steps just outside Grace Evans' Cottage for most of the photographs, because my wedding veil kept blowing ...read more here
A memory of Welshpool contributed by PATRICIA OWEN
explain the scene
the hill in the background is Dyffrynn Hill, a Celtic hill fort.One of many in the Valley.
Next to the church was a shop ran by a man with polio.
The church had a house attached and my Uncle lived there at one stage.
The car wasowned by Maurice Bebb. The village had layers of occupants.Rich people lived in Halls and had holidays there.
A memory of Meifod contributed by larry wildblood
Vyrnwy House, Meifod
This photo was taken from a spot very close to Vyrnwy House where my great Aunt Winifred Morris used to live. Broniarth Hill is behind the photographer. I used to visit her quite often in the 50's, usually on a Sunday when my father and I used to catch a fishermans coach from Liverpool to the village. In those days she had no electricity and water was obtained from a pump in the yard. The garden had a beautiful view over the valley exactly like this one. In the distance is Duffryn Hill which I climbed many times. At the base of this hill was the hall where Clement Davies the then head of the Liberal Party and MP for Merioneth ...read more here
A memory of Meifod contributed by Brian Morris
Extracts From Newtown & Powys books
Aptly named, this wide street wends its way down to the river. In the foreground stands the Bear Hotel, formerly The Bear’s Head, built around 1868, with its mock-Tudor façade. In bygone times the hotel had a back yard in which strolling minstrels and poets would entertain.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
The old meets the new again in this picture. Horses have a statutory right of way over motor vehicles, but that is irrelevant to these sheep, who have made their own rules - the black car will have to be patient.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
The market has not changed fundamentally over the years, except that today the emphasis is on clothes and general bric-a-brac, whereas the livestock sales that originated here are long gone. Overlooking the scene is the grand building and clock tower housing Barclays Bank.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".
The market was established in 1279 with a charter granted by Edward I, but Newtown’s growth is due mainly to the application of technology to the cottage-based woollen industry. Factories were built for carding and spinning machines, and the town became a major centre for handloom weaving. Robert Owen, the social reformer, was born here and died here in 1858. The Bear Hotel seen here was one of the principal hostelries and dated from the 18th century. Sadly it is no more, having made way for a new shopping precinct, although the upper floor façade has been retained.
An extract from from"Wales Living Memories".
The River Severn is wide here on the approach to the town, so that a lengthy twin-arched bridge was needed to make the crossing. In typical Welsh tradition it was given a simple descriptive name.
An extract from from"Mid-Wales - Ceredigion and Powys Photographic Memories".