Welshpool
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Welshpool | |
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Image:Welshpool Town Hall.jpg
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| Population | 6,269 (2001) |
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| OS grid reference | |
| 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 |
| UK Parliament | Montgomeryshire |
| European Parliament | Wales |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Powys | |
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 name Y Trallwng literally meaning 'the marshy or sinking land', but don't let the name put you off, Welshpool is a beautiful place to be, peaceful in appearance, but alive with stunning views and nature.
In English it was initially known as Pool but its name was changed to Welshpool to distinguish it from Poole in Dorset. It has a population of 6,269 (2001 census), contains much Georgian architecture and is just north of Powis Castle. It is also the home of Welshpool High School, an increasingly popular 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 of course, A Level studies. It has one of the highest results average for GCSE in Wales.
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[edit] History
Welshpool served briefly as the capital of Powys Wenwynwyn or South Powys after its Prince was forced to flee the traditional 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.
In 1411 the priest at the church of St. Mary's & St. Cynfelin's was Adam of Usk.
St Cynfelin is reputed to be the founder of the Church in "the age of the saints in Wales" 5th/6th Century AD.
[edit] Transport
Welshpool is served by the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Cambrian Line of 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. The semi-disused Montgomery Canal also runs through Welshpool. To the south of the town is the Welshpool aerodrome, now known as Mid-Wales Airport.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Sport
Welshpool has a football club, hockey club, bog snorkling club and a rugby club, the former being Welshpool Town F.C. and the latter, Welshpool Rugby Club.
[edit] External links
- Welshpool.com - Town website
- Welshpooltownfc.co.uk - Welshpool Town Football Club
- Welshpoolbc.co.uk - Welshpool Baptist Church
- Welshpool Hockey Club- Website of Welshpool Hockey Club, who compete in the North Wales League
- Welshpool Rugby Club- Website of Welshpool Rugby Club, who compete in the Welsh National League
- Reducing the area's carbon footprint - Recycling and Composting in the Welshpool area
| Towns on the River Severn, UK | edit | |
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Heading downstream: Llanidloes | Newtown | Welshpool | Shrewsbury | Bridgnorth | ||
Settlements on the River Severn from its source to Llandrinio (heading downstream) |
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| Llanidloes | Llandinam | Caersws | Newtown | Llanwchaiarn | Abermule | Welshpool | Buttington | Llandrinio |
de:Welshpool
