MONTGOMERYSHIRE 160 years ago was an exciting time in the history of the county. A newspaper account from July 28, 1859 in the County Times’ sister paper, the North Wales Chronicle recorded the events of the week - capturing a fascinating snapshot in time of the lives and times of its residents. The railway boom had arrived in Montgomeryshire and a new era of mining had promised to put the county on the map. The opening of the Llanidloes and Newtown Railway was recorded as the greatest event of its day in the county. The report reads ‘preparations are being made in the towns mentioned, and there is no doubt that the day will be one ever remembered by the inhabitants, bringing, as it will, new means of transit, and impaling a spirit of enterprise among the traders and manufacturers. Newtown and Llanidloes will not be the only towns represented upon the occasion Welshpool and Oswestry will pour forth their numbers to swell the crowds which will be gathered to witness