Gors Eynon(Gorseinon) first appeared on a map in 1813, but by 1830 the name changed to its modern spelling (Gorseinon). Its founder was Mr.William Lewis.
Prior to 1846 there was very little local industry in existence.This all changed with the discovery of large deposits of coal. A mine was opened in 1846 and this became known as “The Mountain Coal”. This coal was moved on a railway line to Loughor, where it was loaded onto barges and sent to Llanelli for shipment all around the world. The coal mine continued to be utilised until 1900, when a shaft sunk. Now known as the Mountain Colliery, It was closed in 1969.
In 1860 the L.N.W.R. wanted to extend the line from Pontarddulais to Swansea. William Lewis, a young industrialist sold them the land and a station was erected in 1870 – this became known as Gorseinon Station. The Mountain Colliery laid a siding from the Colliery to the Station and coal was redirected to Swansea Docks.
The first school was opened in 1880 at Penyrheol. The Headmaster, Mr. Jones, afterwards transferred to Gorseinon. As Gorseinon’s industries increased so did its housing and streets, with the development of Mill Street, Gorseinon Terrace, Eynon Street and High Street.
In 1886 the Grovesend Tin Works was built and many houses were built around the area to house the workers. The Grovesend Steelworks opened in 1890.
Gorseinon had two public houses, the Gorseinon Hotel (Bottom Hotel) and the Station Hotel (the Gyp).
Gorseinon Institute was opened in 1904 and in 1908 the Bryngwyn Sheetworks was opened.
