Heritage plaque to be unveiled

All residents and visitors are invited to attend the unveiling of a new heritage plaque at Newtown Railway Station on the 31st of August 2024 at 11am.

The plaque is dedicated to David Davies of Llandinam, a pioneer of Cambrian Railways, and will honour his significant contributions.

The event is organised by the Newtown Local History Group in association with the Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, and the Mayor of Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn alongside the Cambrian Railways Partnership.

165 years ago, on the same date in 1859, the first railway in Mid Wales was opened - the Llanidloes and Newtown Railway. This railway company served the area between Llanidloes and Newtown in Montgomeryshire, Wales, providing crucial transportation links for the local flannel industry.

The 17 mile line initially operated in isolation but later became connected to other railway networks, including a link to Oswestry established in 1861. By 1864, the L&NR was incorporated into the newly formed Cambrian Railways company, marking a significant milestone in the region's railway history.

David Davies, a Welsh industrialist and Liberal politician, served in the House of Commons from 1874 to 1886. The heritage plaque will pay tribute to his legacy and the important role he played in the development of the railway network in Mid Wales. He constructed numerous railways in the area including Llanidloes to Newtown, Vale of Clwyd, Oswestry to Newtown Railway, Newtown to Machynlleth Railway, Pembroke and Tenby Railway and Manchester to Milford Railway.