Brynford and Calcoed both get a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 but the parish of Brynford came into being in 1853, firstly carved out of 2 older parishes of Holywell and Ysgeifiog. St. Michael's Parish Church was formerly dedicated by the Bishop of St. Asaph on 1st July 1853 and cost £2030 which included The Parsonage House (opposite church) and The Church School (formerly The Church Hall).

It is surrounded by heather clad common land and several tumuli, cairns and earth circles are in evidence. Much of the area is farmed and there is a large amount of common grazing land.

H.M. Stanley, who went to Africa to find Dr. Livingstone, was a student teacher in the old village school!