Powys

Powys [ pəʊɪs ] is the largest area of the 22 Principal Areas of Wales. Powys is also a Preserved County. A Preserved county in Wales includes the responsibility of the ceremonial offices Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff. The administrative headquarters of Powys is Llandrindod Wells.

History and Geography

In 1974, the new administrative county of Powys in Wales was formed from the counties of Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire and Brecknockshire. It was named after the Welsh princedom of Powys, which had its greatest display of power in the 12th century, but because of its unfavorable position in the Welsh Marches along the border between England and Wales was unable to gain real power. Powys was divided into the three District Brecon, Montgomery and Radnor. In a further administrative reform in 1996, the three districts of Powys were lifted. Powys has since formed one of the 22 principal areas of Wales and also has the status of a Preserved County.

In Powys, the Welsh culture with the English mixed only because mountains and river valleys such as the valley of the Severn extend across the border to the west and to the east. Communication along the valleys was reflected in relatively close ties to the English market towns like Shrewsbury and Hereford down. In this constellation, the extent of occurrence of the Welsh language is due in the eastern part of the county.

The landscape of Powys is mainly characterized by the deep, leading to Shrewsbury and Hereford valleys; typical of the " highlands " are the domain of the Radnor Forest and the connecting plateaus. The landscape conditions are reflected in the livestock sector; in the green valleys dominated the cattle, on the slopes of the highlands sheep farming.

Remnants of past settlement date from the Iron Age or Roman fort of stir in the border area here; In addition, there are signs that point to Celtic princes and missionaries. The Celtic influence on Offa's Dyke ended once. Originally from the 8th century Wall still exists today. The locks at Montgomery, Presteigne and Brecon originate from Norman times.

The larger towns in Powys are service centers today. In the town of Newtown light industry was settled in order to advance in this way, the valley of Powys economically and to stop the rural exodus. Welshpool and Brecon are still the market centers of the county. Tourist attraction is the book town of Hay-on - Wye.

Attractions

• Powis Castle
• Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway