There is evidence of, and logic for, a medieval park, or hunting preserve, in the enclosed area called Parc Cwm Brychiniog.

King Coal Invades a Sylvan Valley" by Mr Gwyn Prosser which was awarded the prize at Treorchy Semi-National Eisteddfod in 1923.

The author describes Cwmparc in 1923 as "a mining village of considerable pretensions, aspiring almost to the more dignified name of township" with a population of about 5,000.

Sinking operations were begun in August 1866 and by the end of that year Parc Pit had produced its first output of coal.

As for the rest of the village he describes how Parc Road, the main street, ‘now more than half a mile long’, contained the more ‘reputable’ buildings, such as the miners' institute, two hotels and three chapels.

[1] In particular he recalls one elderly resident's recollection of how when she came to Cwmparc her family consisting of a mother, father and four children managed to secure accommodation in a shepherd's cottage, Parc Bach.

There were many casualties with some 28 dead, including a British Cross Nurse, Special Constable, Police War Reserve and 3 members of the Home Guard.