During the medieval and early modern periods, Moss was part of a network of small, agricultural settlements surrounding Wrexham, with market trade occurring in the town itself. The most transformative period in the history of Moss came during the 19th century, with the Industrial Revolution and the rise of coal mining in the region. Moss, along with other nearby villages, became closely associated with the coal industry, as the Wrexham area was rich in coal seams that fuelled the growth of industries across North Wales and beyond.
The Moss Valley became a focal point for coal mining, with the development of collieries in and around the area. The Moss Colliery was one of several mines that operated in the Wrexham region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The opening of coal mines led to an increase in population, as miners and their families settled in the village, transforming Moss from a predominantly agricultural community into a more industrial one.
The decline of coal mining in the 20th century had a profound effect on Moss and the surrounding region. As coal seams were exhausted and the industry became less economically viable, many of the local collieries began to close. The nationalization of the coal industry in 1947 and subsequent efforts to modernize and consolidate the industry saw many small pits shut down.
In the decades following the decline of coal mining, Moss, along with many former mining villages, experienced a shift back toward a more residential and rural character. The village’s proximity to Wrexham allowed it to become a commuter area, with many residents working in the town or in nearby industries.
One of the most significant developments in the modern history of Moss is the creation of the Moss Valley Country Park. This park, established in the late 20th century, represents the reclamation of the former coal mining landscape into a beautiful green space. The park covers much of the old Moss Valley, including areas that were once dominated by coal mines and industrial infrastructure.
