Markham is a relatively modern village in the Sirhowy Valley. The first edition of the 25-inch Ordnance Survey, published in 1878, shows nothing in the area except two farms: Berllan-lwyd and Pen-y-Werlod. Abernant Colliery had opened nearby by the time the second edition of the 6-inch Ordnance Survey was published in 1901. Four roads of terraced houses had appeared on the site of Pen-y-Werlod Farm by the time the third edition of the 6-inch orndance map was published in 1922, and this small community is labelled 'Markham Village'. By the time the fourth edition was published (1938-45), the village had expanded and Berllan-Lwyd farm had disappeared. Markam village now had a post office, a school and a club, although the colliery is labelled as disused. There were a number of places of worship in the village: St John's Church (12827); Abrenant Road Chapel (12828); Markham Methodist Chapel (307558) and an Independent Chapel (12826). In the twenty-first century, Markham has retained it's primary school, which has about 200 pupils. Other amenities include a hair salon, a convenience store, a fish and chips shop, a kebab shop, a pharmacy and a Welfare Club. The only place of worship still open is Markham Independent Chapel