In 1850 the first mine was sunk in the upper Rhondda in Treherbert but it was not until 1859 that Isaac Smith, manager of the Church Colliery, first attempted to prospect the area for coal when he opened a small level beneath Llwynypia Farm.

After Hood's death in 1902, he received many tributes from his workforce, and in 1906 a statue of him was unveiled by Rhondda MP William Abraham outside the Llwynypia Miners' institute.

In 1908 the Glamorgan Colliery became part of the Cambrian Combine Company and, in 1910–1911, was a scene of violent clashes during the Tonypandy riots.

The very high quality of Rhondda coal was recognised by the Admiralty which specified it as the fuel of choice for the steam ships of the Royal Navy from the late 19th century.

By-products of the coke distillation process was used to light the mines and the narrow streets of miners' cottages known as "terraces".

The Engine house was the centre of the Tonypandy Riots in 1910 due to the colliery reliance on the building for power generation.

[6][7] A 2018 review of electoral arrangements by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales would see Llwyn-y-pia merged with neighbouring Trealaw.

[8] The Llwynypia railway station is served and operated by Transport for Wales on the Rhondda Line from Cardiff.

The club played in the Glamorgan leagues and was affiliated to the Welsh Rugby Union providing many trialists and Welsh international rugby union players, for instance in 1900 when the Wales team that beat England at Gloucester included Hellings and Llewelyn, both of the Llwynypia club.

The Club hosted the All British & Open Field Archery Championships for the first 25 years from its inception in 1967.