Newtown and the Severn Valley, like all the areas of Powys on our website for primary schools, saw enormous changes during the long reign of Queen Victoria.

The flannel industry and other important trades made Newtown the industrial heart of Mongomeryshire. Poor conditions for the workers meant some unrest however.

Education was to lead to new skills and opportunities for many local children, but it took many years to become accepted.

The canal and other transport improvements helped local industries
to develop, and they brought new prospects for trade and travel.

Use the links below to see more about these changes.