Sturminster Newton is a community as well as civil parish in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. It is located on a low sedimentary rock ridge in a meander of the River Stour. The town goes to the centre of a large dairy agriculture region, around which the community's economic climate is constructed. The majority of the town (Sturminster) lies on the north side of the river, as well as includes most shops as well as solutions, whilst to the south is the smaller Newton. Between these two locations is a large flood plain. The community was the home of poet as well as author William Barnes, as well as, for part of his life, Thomas Hardy. The town has 43 shops, a main as well as secondary school, as well as a college and college food catering for children with special academic requirements. In the 2011 census the community's civil parish had a population of 4,945. A market is held in the community on Mondays. Among the biggest livestock markets in England utilized to be held right here, however it was closed in 1998 and currently in its place stands a housing estate and a 300-seat area arts centre called The Exchange. The town is part of the historical West Country Carnival circuit.