With the founding of Stonyhurst Hall, by Richard Shireburn in 1592, the hamlet of Hurst Green began to develop, as often happened after the building of manor houses. The hamlet's development continued once the college was founded in 1794.

There is a distinctive war memorial to the First and Second World Wars bearing the names of the soldiers from the area who died. This is situated near the village green. At the other side of the green stands the prominent St Peter's Guild Club, a Catholic social club which has existed for well over 200 years.

The presence of at least two old bobbin mills bear witness to the cottage cotton industry that was here once. There remains a thriving sense of community, often centred on the large village hall, St. Peter's Catholic Church at Stonyhurst College, the Anglican church of St. John the Evangelist, the pubs, St Peter's Club and the football club.