Montgomeryshire

The area of Montgomeryshire now constitutes the northern part of the principal area of Powys. The current area is 2174 square km (839 Square miles). The main rivers in Montgomeryshire are the River Severn which flows into east Shropshire and River Dyfi which flows west into the Irish Sea. 

The main landmark viewed over the River Severn is on the Breidden Hills trail between Buttington Bridge and Llanmynech known as the Summit of Rodney’s Pillar.   The monument was built by the gentlemen of Montgomeryshire who supplied the oak wood from the area and shipped them down the River Severn to Bristol where Admiral Rodney’s naval fleet was built.

We have a popular tourist spot, Lake Vyrnwy which is a reservoir supplying Liverpool. We have the Cambrian Railway Line which crosses the East to West mainline running between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. 

The main industries are agriculture, mainly hill farming, and tourism, some forestry and light manufacturing.  

 The largest towns are Newtown, birthplace of social reformer Robert Owen in 1771 which has a museum dedicated to  him. There is also a local gallery, Oriel Davies, which displays contemporary arts and crafts. Hafren Guild is based here.

Next is Welshpool where Breidden Trefoil Guild are based. Welshpool tourists’ popular places are Powis Castle and Gardens and the Welshpool and Llanfair Light railway which links Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion. 

Our third Trefoil Guild, Trefaldwyn is based in the market town of Montgomery which is a popular tourist destination to visit the Montgomery Castle. We have the Montgomery Canal and link to the Offa Dyke and part of the Kerry Ridgway.The area of Montgomeryshire now constitutes the northern part of the principal area of Powys. The current area is 2174 square km (839 Square miles). The main rivers in Montgomeryshire are the River Severn which flows into east Shropshire and River Dyfi which flows west into the Irish Sea.