English: Sturminster Newton The town's name is derived from its church or 'minster', and the River Stour which flows round the town. It has been the market centre for the rich Stour farmlands since the 13th century. The town suffered badly from two fires in 1681 and 1759, but still retains many old thatched house, as well as pleasant bow-windowed buildings of brick, stone and cob. The town has associations with two notable literary figures, William Barnes and Thomas Hardy.