In the middle-ages, Welshpool would have been built almost entirely of timber-framed houses, with wattle and daub forming the walls between the timbers of the frame. But by the 18th century the soft and silty mudstones of the Severn valley were crushed and mixed with water and made into bricks at local works like Buttington Brickworks.

The Town Hall

There has been a Town Hall on the present site since 1796. The original Town Hall was built of brick with an open arched front and contained a market hall, an assize court and a ballroom.

Despite successive extensions and enlargements the whole was replaced in 1874 by the 'French neo-classical' building seen today - using yellow sandstone either from Shrewsbury or Flintshire.

St Mary's Church

The large church of St Mary's that directly overlooks the town was founded in the 6th century by St Cynfelyn, and later dedicated to St Mary.

The building's origins begin in the 13th century. Many additions have been made over time, culminating with alterations made in the Victorian age. The walls of the church are constructed with stone randomly gathered from the area, including rounded cobbles from local glacial deposits, flaggy yellow sandstones from Shropshire and occasional blocks from the Welshpool Dyke.

These stones are all probably re-used fragments of the older churches that stood on this site and from the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Marcella that stood on the outskirts of the town.

The churchyard is a great place to look for wildflowers with over 100 species being recorded here including oxeye daisy and red valerian. Many interesting lichens grow here; their presence indicates that the air quality in Welshpool is wet and clean.

There are also a fine selection of yew trees and black poplar. The churchyard also provides a great habitat for a variety of small mammals including voles, rabbits and foxes.