The lack of a bridge and only a dangerous ford cut the village off from the main road across the Usk. Development was due to the arrival of the canal in 1810, the direct link to the industrial regions around Tredegar via the Brinore Tramroad after 1815 and later the railway in 1863. The railway created the first Usk river bridge, Station Road and the Usk Hotel. The oldest buildings are Maesmawr, Gilestone and Talybont farms, the Malthouse, and the former Maesmawr mill on Station Road. Post war expansion saw the creation of council initiated building of Pen Pentre and Canol Pentre estates. Private development followed at Maesmawr and Station Road. An intriguing building is the narrow brick edifice against the canal bank which initially was tea rooms The White Hart and the Star have changed little in appearance and continue to thrive, with the former having a successful bunk house as an addition. In the past the village had five public houses, a foundry, wheelwright, smithy, sawmill, three shops,two mills,a woollen mill, a bakery. a school and a post office. Talybont Stores now provide a wide range of service with a popular cafe. The garage is a long established business that started off as a blacksmith’s forge. J l Stephens continue as building contractors since 1948.