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.

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.