Origins

The town of Welshpool became a borough under the title of Burgus de Pola by charter in 1263. The original borough merely consisted of what was afterwards known as Pool Middle extending to 60 acres the area later being increased to 20,426 acres by a charter granted by Edward de Cherleton, Lord of Powys on 29th June 1406 as a reward for the fidelity of the burgesses during the Welsh National movement under Owen Glyndwr.

The primitive Welshpool known as y Trallwm, formed part of the territories of the Welsh Princes of Powys and came into being some thirteen centuries ago following the erection of a church by St. Llewelyn (and yet another by St. Cynvelyn).

Welshpool lost its status as a borough under the Local Government Act 1972 which transferred its principal powers to Montgomeryshire District Council. A further reorganisation in 1986 reduced the area of the Town Council to its present size.

The Arms

The Arms of the former Borough are descriptive of - "The Red Castle in Powys" - on a field azure, with or without an encircling wreath of Speedwell, and the motto "Heb Dduw, heb Ddim" (Nothing without God) the whole surmounting a scroll with the title "Burgus de Pola"

Calendar

The chief event of the year in old Trallwm was the feast of the local saint held on November 7th,8th and 9th. Then came the popular growth of an annual fair on these three November days followed by another three day fair in the summer all subsequently legally established by charter from the Princes of Powys concurrently with the Monday market.

The Welshpool Carnival takes place in May.

Attractions

Apart from its setting in rolling borderland, Welshpool’s principal attraction to the visitor is the 13th Century Powis Castle - a sandstone castle overlooking the Severn Valley. The castle is an impressive sight with its red walls and beautiful terraced gardens. The museum contains treasures that Clive of India brought back from India - his family married into the Herberts of Powis.

You can also visit the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway - a narrow gauge steam train operating throughout the summer months. It was originally built to take local people to market with their sheep and cattle. The line was closed in 1956 but reopened by enthusiasts in 1960. It runs on an 8 mile journey from Raven Square and operates between Easter and early October - but not every day (phone for timetables),  the Monday Cattle Market (one of the largest one-day markets in the E.E.C.) and the Powysland Museum.

The restored octagonal cockpit is in the centre of the town and is unusual in being the only one in Wales on its original site.

For the shopper there are many interesting places to see, including the narrow lanes that link the main streets, and the Old Station - now the site of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Walkers have a large range of areas to visit in the vicinity. These include Offa's Dyke (a mile outside the town), the banks of the Montgomery Canal which now runs for 30 miles and most of which is accessible, and many public footpaths in the local countryside. The Severn Farm Pond Nature reserve is a further place worth a visit.

For those keen on sporting activities there is angling on the River Severn, an interesting golf course nearby, and various facilities at the Flash sports centre including a swimming pool and indoor bowls hall.

Eating

There are many places where meals are available - in restaurants, hotels or in public houses. All close to the centre of the town.

Getting There

Welshpool is one of the best served towns in the region for transport. There is a regular rail service from Shrewsbury and Birmingham to the East and from Aberystwyth to the West. By road, when travelling from the midlands, Welshpool is within one hour of the M6 Motorway via the M54. It can easily be reached from the north-west via the A483, while travellers from the south can have a beautifully scenic route via the A49.

The Tourist Information Centre in Welshpool has full details of facilities in the area. There is a 3 star hotel in the centre of town and many options for B&B in the area.

New:- Large (1024x768 pixel) photos of Welshpool, Lake Vyrnwy, Powis Castle and Llanfair Caereinion.