Welshpool is a 13th century market town that developed under the protection of Powis Castle, a mile to the south. The half-timbered buildings are characteristic of the Upper Severn Valley. One belonged to Grace Evans, a local lady of the 18th century with an interesting story. From the wharf on the Montgomery Canal you can take a narrowboat trip. The Powysland Museum, with its collections of local history and archaeology, is in a converted warehouse. Its tearoom is aboard a converted narrowboat. A steam train does a 50-minute trip from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion. Cockfighting, a "sport" with ancient origins, was popular in 18th century Wales. Game cocks were trained for fighting and pitched into battle before huge crowds in the cockpit. Welshpool`s brick-built hexagonal cockpit is the only one in Wales on its original site. Powis Castle has been inhabited by local families for 500 years and is beautifully preserved. It stands in a remarkable garden and contains an impressive collection of paintings and furniture.