Sturminster Newton wouldn’t be ‘Stur’ without its Monday Market. A tremendous variety of merchandise has been bartered, auctioned or sold over the centuries and with the demise of the cattle market in 1997 and the milk factory in 2000, the Monday market stalls shook, staggered but survived.
The Market originated from a royal charter of 1219. The Market rights are owned by the Rivers Estate at Hinton St Mary and a ‘market rent’ is collected from stall holders and proceeds go to charity. The stall holders historically sited their stands in the Market Square but in recent years one or two have based themselves in Station Road. With the commencement of the Town Enhancement Scheme in 2007 and the introduction of pedestrianised areas, Station Road may see increased use by stall holders in the future. Visitors to the town have described the character of the re-vamped Station Road as ‘European’ whereas many locals gravitate towards the Market Square and Market Cross which they consider embraces the historical roots and traditions of the market – ‘Stur old town’ as locals are beginning to call it. Whatever ones preferences, the market stalls are a magnet for all.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON 'THE MONDAY MARKET' ABOVE
