The first coal mine shaft was sunk in 1857 and Ferndale was the first community to be intensively industrialised in the Rhondda Valley.

His wealth enabled him to engage in costly but unsuccessful sinkings in the Rhondda Fach in the 1860s until he finally struck a good seam at Ferndale.

Some new features have been added such as a 3G football field, car park and an all-weather cricket training enclosure.

The Sky TV comedy series Stella is largely filmed on location in Ferndale.

[9] Between 1849 and 1856, the Taff Vale Railway opened the Maerdy Branch from Porth, including a station at Ferndale.

Passenger services were withdrawn in 1964, but coal trains continued until August 1986 when the line closed completely.

In December 2006, the Ferndale Skate Park was opened with indoor ramps and other equipment available to BMX riders, rollerbladers and skateboarders.

The skate park began with the aim of improving the prospects of school leavers in the area, providing a "safe haven" from the influences of drugs and alcohol, and encouraging sports and healthy living.

It later received National Lottery continuation funding as well as a Rhondda Trust grant to secure the future for three more years.