In mid-2005, Thurston's estimated population was 3,260, making it one of the larger communities in the area,[1] falling slightly to 3,232 at the 2011 Census.

The village also has a frequent bus service to neighbouring towns, including Bury St Edmunds.

It is mentioned in John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales as a community with 2,200 acres of land, a population of 740 and 157 households.

The original church was Medieval, but was largely rebuilt in 1861 after a dramatic collapse of the tower onto the nave the night before major renovations were due to begin.

Some 14th and 15th-century features, including the font, chancel windows and vestry were retrieved and reinstated in the Victorian church.

The couple had joined the ship's maiden voyage to New York to see Julia Cavendish's father Henry Siegel shortly after purchasing Thurston House, which they were renovating.

It is set in parkland and operates as a venue for village sports activities, clubs, meetings and events.