Llanidloes
Llanidloes is a town in Powys, Wales, with a population of around 3000. Historically it was part of Montgomeryshire, where it is the third largest town, after Newtown and Welshpool. It is near the Clywedog Reservoir.
It is the first town from the source of the River Severn, the longest river in Great Britain.
The name was recorded as Lanidloes as early as 1254. It refers to the church ("llan") of St Idloes. A town was established there in the 13th century. It struggled in the Glyndwr rebellion of the 15th century, and only started to grow again with the textile industry in the 18th century.[1]
St Idloes' Church has a 14th century tower, and some 16th century features, but most parts failed to survive the restorations of the 19th century. There also appears to have been a motte and bailey castle in the town.[1]
The parish also included smaller settlements such as Y Fan.[2] Today the rural areas are in a separate community called Llanidloes Without.
Llanidloes had a railway station from 1864 to 1962, as part of the Cambrian Railways.
In sports the town is represented by football club Llanidloes Town FC which were founder members of the League of Wales in 1992,[3] and rugby club Llanidloes RFC which are believed to hold the record for biggest win in Welsh rugby (181-0 v Holyhead RFC).[4]