Sturminster Newton is a community and also civil parish in the Blackmore Vale location of Dorset, England. It is positioned on a reduced limestone ridge in a meander of the River Stour. The community goes to the centre of a huge dairy products farming area, around which the community's economy is built. The larger part of the community (Sturminster) rests on the north side of the river, as well as includes most stores and solutions, whilst to the south is the smaller sized Newton. Between these two locations is a broad flood plain. The town was the house of poet as well as author William Barnes, and, for part of his life, Thomas Hardy. The community has 43 stores, a key and high school, and an institution and also college catering for youngsters with unique academic requirements. In the 2011 census the community's civil parish had a population of 4,945. A market is kept in the town on Mondays. Among the biggest cattle markets in England used to be held right here, yet it was closed in 1998 and currently in its place stands a housing estate and a 300-seat community arts centre called The Exchange. The community is part of the historic West Country Carnival circuit.