CHAT MOSS, a bog in Lancashire; traversed by the Manchester and Liverpool railway, 8 miles W of Manchester. It occupies an area of about 12 square miles; varies in depth from 10 to 35 feet; and was naturally so spongy that cattle could not walk over it; but, to a considerable extent, has been reclaimed. The difficulties of constructing of the railway over it were enormous; and the overcoming of them was an achievement of Stephenson, almost as wonderful as his improving of the locomotive.
Source: The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales [Wilson, John M]. A. Fullarton & Co. N. d. c. [1870-72].
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