THE old expression ‘if walls could talk’ could be aptly used to describe many buildings across Powys.

Indeed with more than 70 Grade I listed buildings scattered across the county, many Powysians are never more than a walk away from history.

Together these buildings provide the patchwork of not only the history of Powys, but the entire country.

The County Times shares a few of our treasured monuments.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes. Picture: Geograph.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes. Picture: Geograph.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes.

Old Market Hall - Llanidloes

THE market hall was built between 1612 and 1622 and is the oldest timber framed structure of its kind in Wales.

It was originally known as Booth Hall, a reference to the stalls under and around the hall.

Until the 19th century the hall was a busy centre of the Welsh woollen trade, where wool and flannel was brought to be taken to Welshpool.

Between 1606 and 1629 the assizes were also held at the market.

The brick gable end facing Long Bridge Street was rebuilt in 1765.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes. Picture: Geograph.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes. Picture: Geograph.

The Old Market Hall in Llanidloes.

The building served as a workingmen’s club and library in the Victorian Era and later became a museum.

In 1959 the whole building was restored after heavy traffic was starting to affect the structure.

Why is it historic?

The Wesley Stone. Picture: Geograph.

The Wesley Stone. Picture: Geograph.

The Wesley Stone.

Apart from its age, the market hall is also known for being the site of three sermons delivered by John Wesley in 1748, 1749 and 1764.

The Methodist Founder is honoured by the ‘Wesley Stone’ in the north west corner where he stood during his 1749 sermon.