St Martin's, Fangfoss

The earliest mention of an active church in the village of Fangfoss is recorded in 1235 when the services were conducted by a chaplain. Close links with Barmby Moor were established in the sixteenth century when the vicar held the curacy of Fangfoss. Today St. Martin's is part of the Barmby Moor Group of Churches.  St Martin's, Fangfoss, is one of five churches in the Group, each having its own Parochial Church Council, but sharing the same vicar.

By 1602 the building had become a bit of a ruin through neglect and fire but was extensively repaired in the eighteenth century and renewed in the 1820s. Further re-building in a Norman style using stonework from the former Norman church took place in 1848-50. It is recorded that the church had two bells in 1552. The bells are still rung before the beginning of every service at St. Martin’s. Worthy of particular mention, and not noted in other publications, is the sanctuary floor covered in Minton tiles. These were provided for the church by Herbert Minton, brother-in-law of the Reverend Robert Minton Taylor whose photograph is hanging in the vestry.

In the present day, the church has close links with St. Martin’s CE VA Primary School.  The children regularly come into church for services and many will be able to tell their children, "I rang the bells at St. Martin’s".  The vicar regularly leading Collective Worship and on some occasions teaches RE sessions. The children are familiar with the church building and develop a sense of ‘ownership’ during their time at the school.  They also can paticipate in SoulKidz&Co, a new initiative that brings together religion, crafts and games.