The village of Hopkinstown developed in the mid-19th century on part of the Ty Mawr Estate owned by Evan Hopkin. The growth was driven by the Gyfeillion colliery, later known as the Great Western colliery and coke works which opened in 1851, and later chemical works and an iron foundry. Hopkinstown developed as a single row of houses known as Rhondda Road, with further streets added as the population increased.
The village is famous for being the place where the world-famous hymn tune 'Cwm Rhondda' ('Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah') was first sung on Sunday 1 November 1907 in Capel Rondda, Hopkinstown, and for being the birthplace in 1920 of the writer Elaine Morgan.
RCAHMW, 2022.