Welshpool

Welshpool (Welsh: Y Trallwng) is a small town and community in the unitary authority of Powys, Wales. It is the fourth largest town in Powys, with a population of 6,664. It lies on the banks of the River Severn and is in the historic county of Montgomeryshire. It is known for its Georgian architecture.

Welshpool
Welsh: Y Trallwng
Broad Street - geograph.org.uk - 541043.jpg
Broad Street, Welshpool
Population 6,664 (2011 census)
Principal area Powys
Ceremonial county Powys
Region
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
EU Parliament Wales
UK Parliament Montgomeryshire
List of places
UK
Wales
Powys

The town is situated around 4 miles (6.4 km) from the border with Shropshire in England. Its name in the Welsh language, Y Trallwng, means "the marshy or sinking land". In English, it was initially known as Pool but its name was changed to Welshpool in 1835 to differentiate it from the Dorset town of Poole.

It served briefly as the capital of Powys Wenwynwyn after its prince was forced to flee the traditional Welsh royal site at Mathrafal in 1212, by the prince of Gwynedd. Assistance from the English crown (the enemies of the Gwynedd prince) restored the Wenwynwyn dynasty to their lands.

The town has a mainline railway station on the Cambrian Line between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. Managed and served by Transport for Wales, trains run roughly two-hourly each way.

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