In 1624 the parish of Bedwellty was created which covered the lower division of the Wentloog Hundred, in the county of Monmouth, a hilly district between the river Rumney, on the West and the Sirhowey on the East.

The ironworks closed in 1891 and by the early 20th century the town's collieries employed nearly the entire local population.

It was built by architect Philip Hardwick from London on commission for Andrew Buchan who was the manager of the local Rhymney brewery between 1838–1858.

The College Rhymney underwent rapid growth after its opening, with over 700 students enrolling on various courses in the 2007–2008 academic year.

[7] After leaving school at the age of 14 he worked as a miner in the nearby Abertysswg and Rhymney Mardy Pits.

[7] After participating in the failed General Strike of 1926, Davies moved to London where he worked as a teacher at various schools.

The professor, civil servant, administrator, and author Dr Thomas Jones (1870–1955) was also born in Rhymney.

[9] Notable people born in Rhymney include the Major League Baseball trainer John D. Reese, Wales international rugby union Wing Tom James, and Professor W. John Morgan, Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, and Chair of the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO.https://www.ukwhoswho.com/ One of the largest employers in Rhymney is Williams Medical Supplies.

[12][13] In addition to Rhymney, the poem also refers to the bells of Merthyr, Rhondda, Blaina, Caerphilly, Neath, Brecon, Swansea, Newport, Cardiff and the Wye Valley.

[12][14] The song has been covered by a number of acts over the years, including Judy Collins, Cher, the Alarm, the Ian Campbell Folk Group, John Denver, Robyn Hitchcock, Oysterband and Ralph McTell.

[15][16] Arguably the most widely known rendition of the song, however, was that recorded by the American band the Byrds for their 1965 album Mr. Tambourine Man.