Opening Notice

Mill Report May 2025

**Sturminster Newton Mill Reopening 14th June 2025**

The Mill has been closed since March to check the safety of the structure to ensure that volunteers and visitors are not put at risk. A specialist structural engineer and a mill wright recently inspected the Mill and we are pleased to report that concerns raised were unfounded. We have arranged for some maintenance works to be done but this will not affect the Mill being open to visitors again. We look forward to seeing you on the 14th June and into the summer season.

Sturminster Newton Mill - Present Day

Sturminter Newton Mill - 1925

History

Sturminster Newton Mill is one of a series of ancient flour mills built on the River Stour. It is thought that there may have been a mill on this site in Saxon times and there is evidence that a mill existed in 1016. The Mill is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 where four mills in the Sturminster area are mentioned.

The present L-shaped building consists of the south and north wings. The south wing, which sits firmly on the river bank, was last rebuilt c.1650 on a centuries-old site. The north wing, which juts out into the river, was originally a completely separate fulling mill built in 1611. It was demolished in the late 18th century and rebuilt in brick on its original stone base to join with and extend the grain mill.

Until the turn of the 20th century, Sturminster Newton Mill was powered by a pair of undershot water wheels working side by side which drove four sets of stones. The last pair of water wheels, fitted by William Munden of Ringwood in 1849, were capable of a combined output of 12 horsepower. In 1904 the mill was upgraded, and the two water wheels were replaced with a single water turbine.

In 2016 we celebrated 1,000 years of milling at this site on the Stour and there’s a specially commissioned timeline, covering the whole period, on display at the Mill.

Visiting the Mill

There are three floors of working machinery to explore including:

1. The Turbine room

2. The meal floor

3. The bin floor

4. The stone floor

5. The corridor

6. The north wing bin loft

7. North wing middle floor

8. North wing ground floor

This is a fully working water mill and a wonderful piece of industrial archaeology. The machinery runs every day the Mill is open and every second weekend in the month we produce flour that we sell in the shops in the Museum and the Mill. Our shop at the Mill also sells hot and cold drinks, local souvenirs, gifts and toys. On certain weekends we hold additional events and put on special displays (Please see ‘event information’ using the side button).

Our knowledgable Mill Supervisors provide informal guided tours. As you go round, they will explain the full process of producing stone-ground flour and will be happy to answer any questions you have on this and the history of the Mill. However, if you prefer to wander round on your own, you are very welcome to do so.

Wheelchair users are made welcome free of charge, but please note that wheelchair access is available to the ground floor only.

Visits by groups are welcome. These can also be arranged to take place outside normal opening hours, by prior arrangement with the Mill Supervisors and benefit from reduced price entry.

(Contact Pete Loosmore on 01747 854355, or complete the website contact form)

Around the Mill

The Mill lies in a picturesque riverside setting and is an ideal place to start family walks to explore the surrounding countryside or the historic town of Sturminster Newton. There is a free car park, toilets and a picnic area with tables all very close by. A 15th-century country inn is less than 1/2 mile down the road, and local fishing permits are available from nearby shops.

Events at the Mill

Artist at the Mill

Inside Sturminster Newton Mill

Fun Day at the Mill

School visit

Oxfords Bakery baking bread at the Mill.

Town Crier

Flower arrangements at the Mill

Bookie Woogie at the Mill

A play at the Mill

Cream teas at the Mill

Group visit

Amateur radio at the Mill