At the beginning of the 20th century Rawmarsh was described as "an increasing parish" and included the outlying hamlets of Parkgate, Stubbin and Upper Haugh.

There has been a church in the town since Norman times (c.1127) but the earliest recorded rector was William de Sutton who was instituted on 6 June 1227.

The current church was completed in 1838 when the tower was increased in height and the rest rebuilt, James Pigott Pritchett being the architect.

The present sanctuary was repaved in 1977 in memory of Canon Scovell, who is also remembered as a street name in the town; the font is Perpendicular in style and is from the old church.

The church contains two monuments of interest: one to Lady Middleton and her children (1667) who lived for a time at Aldwarke Hall, and the other to John Darley of Kilnhurst (1616).

To the south of Rawmarsh is Parkgate, a suburb which had streets of terraced houses for the local workforce and which was dominated by the Park Gate Iron and Steel Company's works.

In the 18th century pottery was also made in the town; there are several references in places and street names within the area: Claypit Lane is an example.

The station on the Midland Railway line between Sheffield and Leeds was called Parkgate and Rawmarsh and closed in January 1968.

Road transport services were provided, from 1907 when trams were introduced, by the Mexborough and Swinton Traction Company.