The settlement first formed as part of the parish of Holytown when substantial coal workings were being exploited during the 19th century.

The co-existence of non-denominational and Roman Catholic schools in this area, even to the extent of a joint campus is a legacy of the 1918 Education act, its origins and its continuing unfortunate aftermath.

Ethnic and cultural diversity has broadened and there is now a purpose-built mosque on the site of the former apprentices' training school of the old Stewarts & Lloyds tube works.

The coal mining past is still significant; the area has suffered widespread undermining, which was a serious limit to new construction until relatively recently.

These include: *tattoo studio (Fat Buddha Tattoo) opened 2014 by local respected artist Jason Lau, which has gained a very good reputation for such a small village competitive prices and provides full-day bookings; In the past, there were also shops opposite St. John Bosco's church: The Dairy (Fyfe's?)