Newtown (Welsh: Y Drenewydd) is the largest town in the county of Powys, Wales. It had a population of 12,783 in 2001. Lying on the River Severn, within the historic boundaries of Montgomeryshire, the town is best known as the birthplace of Robert Owen in 1771 with his former house now being a museum. Newtown is also the home of Theatr Hafren and Oriel Davies Gallery, a major public gallery of Wales, which shows national and international contemporary art and craft.