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For other uses, see Welshpool (disambiguation).

Coordinates: 52°39′35″N 3°08′50″W / 52.65966, -3.14725

Welshpool


Welshpool Town Hall
Welshpool (United Kingdom)
Welshpool

Welshpool shown within the United Kingdom
Population 6,269 (2001)
OS grid reference SJ225075
Principal area Powys
Ceremonial county Powys
Constituent country Wales
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town WELSHPOOL
Postcode district SY21
Dialling code 01938
Police Dyfed-Powys
Fire Mid and West Wales
Ambulance Welsh
European Parliament Wales
UK Parliament Montgomeryshire
List of places: UK • Wales •

Welshpool (Welsh: Y Trallwng) is a town in Powys, Wales, only 4 miles (6 km) from the border with England. The town is low-lying on the River Severn; the Welsh language name Y Trallwng literally meaning 'the marshy or sinking land'.

In English it was initially known as Pool but its name was changed to Welshpool in 1835 to distinguish it from Poole in Dorset. It has a population of 6,269 (United Kingdom Census 2001), contains much Georgian architecture and is just north of Powis Castle.

Contents

History

Welshpool served briefly as the capital of Powys Wenwynwyn or South Powys after its Prince was forced to flee the traditional Welsh Royal site at Mathrafal in 1212. After 1284 Powys Wenwynwyn ceased to exist. 'The long mountain' plays as a backdrop to most of Welshpool, which once served as the ultimate grounds for defence for fortresses in the times when the town was just a swampy marsh.

The town was devastated by the forces of Owain Glyndwr in 1400 at the start of his rebellion against the English King Henry IV. Today the waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail Glyndwr's Way runs through the town.

In 1411 the priest at the church of St. Mary's & St. Cynfelin's was Adam of Usk.

St Cynfelin (he is also known as St Matu) is reputed to be the founder of the Church in "the age of the saints in Wales" in the 5th century and 6th century AD.

Transport

Welshpool railway station is on the Cambrian Line and served by Arriva Trains Wales. The town is also the starting point of the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, a narrow-gauge heritage railway popular with tourists. A small network of bus services link surrounding towns and villages, mainly operated by Tanat Valley Coaches. Notable is trunk route X75, serving Shrewsbury to the East and Newtown and Llanidloes to the South West, also route D71 to Oswestry via Guilsfield and Llanymynech. A local town service is operated by Owens Coaches. The semi-disused Montgomery Canal also runs through Welshpool. To the south of the town is Welshpool Airport which is also known as Mid Wales Airport.

Economy

The local economy is primarily based upon agriculture and local industry. The Smithfield Lifestock Market is one of the largest in Europe, whilst the town's industrial estates are home to numerous different types of small industry. Due to the town's small size and population the attraction of high street stores is limited, meaning many of the residents are forced to shop in neighbouring towns like Newtown and Shrewsbury.

Education

It is the home of Welshpool High School, a secondary school which teaches a range of students from ages 11-18 and is consistently set to a very high standard of education throughout Key Stage 3 and 4 and A Level studies. It has one of the highest results average for GCSE in Wales.

Sport

Welshpool has a football club and a rugby union club, the former being Welshpool Town F.C. and the latter, Welshpool Rugby Club. The town also has a hockey and cricket club

External links

v • d • e
Major Settlements on the River Severn, United Kingdom
v • d • e
Settlements on the River Severn from its source to Llandrinio (heading downstream)
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