To the south of the town lies the river Stour with a fine medieval bridge over which, and a few hundred metres to the west, stands the working watermill. The Stour here is celebrated for the coarse fishing it affords.

'NEWTON'
Ordnance Survey Map Ref: ST 782135
'Newton', or 'New Town', has, in fact, an ancient history. The Romans settled here and, after the legions had abandoned the British Isles to protect Rome itself in the 5th century, the saxons arrived making it a seat of their kings.

In medieval days it became the possession of the Abbots of Glastonbury who built a moated palace here. This was the Stour Castle of Hardy's novels - and the author spent much time here writing his early books.

Ordnance Survey Map Ref: ST 782135
This working demonstration mill at the weir on the river Stour near Sturminster Bridge was restored in 1981. The mill is in two parts with with the earlier stone-built building possibly dating from the 16th century. The brick-built northern mill building dates from the 18th century. Between them are located the two undershot wheels, the last ones supplied by William Munden of Ringwood in 1849. A 'British Empire' turbine by Joseph J Armfield replaced the less efficient (if more exciting) waterwheels in 1904. The milling machinery can still be seen in working order as it grinds animal feeds and flour for sale (tel: 01258 73151).
The next mill upstream on the Stour is Cutt Mill - a short distance downstream is the tiny Fiddleford Mill next to a granary and manor house.

Ordnance Survey Map Ref: ST 801136
The bridge with six arches which carries the B3091 over the river Stour from Sturminster to Newton is one of the finest medieval bridges of Dorset. Like several bridges in the county (e.g.: Sturminster Marshall), it carries a warning that persons 'injuring' the structure (probably aimed at overloaded wagons and, later, steam engines) will be liable to transportation. The bridge offers fine views of the Stour to the west and of the large working watermill a few hundred metres upstream.

White Mill Bridge is one of twenty Dorset bridges to carry such a warning. Others are Sturminster Marshall, Sturminster Newton.

see also:   DORSET BRIDGES