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Sturminster
Newton is an attractive, small market town in North Dorset, located at a bridging
point across a sweeping meander in the river Stour. Records show that the town,
which was included in the Doomsday Book, has been chartered to hold fairs and
markets since at least the time of Henry III in 1219.
In
modern times it was the capital of the Blackmore Vale and its Monday market, which
was reputed to be the largest calf market in Europe, together with the traditional
street market attracted the farming community from the Vale into the town to purchase,
sell or merely take the opportunity to gossip with friends. Unfortunately the
market was closed in 1995 followed shortly by Sturminster's renowned cheese factory
home of the delicious Sturminster Tasty Cheddar. With the demise of these facilities
Sturminster has reverted to being just a pleasant and interesting old town set in the heart of
beautiful Dorset and well worth a visit. Apart from the town
Sturminster also offers a small museum and working water mill as added attractions.
The Sturminster Newton Museum Society (registered charity no. 1044018) manages both the Museum and Mill. These features are manned by a team of enthusiastic volunteers who are dedicated
to ensuring that visitors gain the most from their visit.
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Museum:
The Museum is located at Old Market Cross House in the centre of the town. (OS St 787141).
A Museum Shop, selling many items relating to Sturminster Newton and its history, will be have restricted opening hours over the winter period until 1st April on Monday, Friday and Saturday 10.am-12.30pm. It will then be open throughout the summer on Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am - 3pm and Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm.
Admission to the museum and shop is free. |
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The
Mill:
Still
in good working order, the Mill provides a unique opportunity to journey back
to a simple time where you and your family can discover the age old secrets of
harnessing the natural power of nature amidst the tranquil beauty of the real
Dorset countryside.
Set back from the modern world on the banks of the picturesque
river Stour, this historic, working mill is a fun day out for all the family as
well as mill enthusiasts. It also provides a renowned haven for painters and poets
and for those who simply wish to spend a lazy hour or two picnicking, fishing,
walking or just soaking up the atmosphere whilst watching dragonflies dancing
over the river and reeds.
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We
hope that following pages provide the incentive for you and your family to visit
our museum and mill to experience the magic for yourself. Of particular interest in 2010 will be an exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert Young, Sturminster's own Dorset dialect poet who was a contemporary of both William Barnes and Thomas Hardy. For further information on events and happenings at the Mill & Museum throughout the year please go to our events page or click here.

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