One of the mysteries about Marton Church is a slab of Frosterley Marble, set into the floor. It's not really marble at all, but a limestone from Frosterley in Weardale, formed 325 million years ago, and it's absolutely packed with fossils. This stone was much sought after during the Middle Ages for church decoration although our slab's surface is 'unfinished' and unpolished - this is why most visitors don't even notice it! There are two lines of thought - it might be a medieval grave slab (there are several in the floor of St Helen's in Sheriff Hutton) or it might possibly be the altar top from Marton Priory, which closed in 1536. If you're interested in churches, geology or medieval history, do come and see a display which will be in church from Sat 19th September. The creator of the display, Oonagh, will be in church that day from 2-4pm and we'll have tea/coffee and cake!