The road traverses this immense bog for a distance of four miles and three quarters. S. of the line is a fine view of the Cheshire and Derbyshire hills, with the village of Astley and Tildsley Church spire. Rivington Pike, and the Billinge Beacon lie on the N., and the Chat Moss all around. Immense labour and perseverance were required to achieve the great work of forming a firm and durable road over this swampy tract, which varies in depth from ten to above thirty feet.
Several neat habitations are now erected on the farmlands redeemed from the swamp: of these, Barton Moss Farm is the chief. N. of the Moss lies Worsley Hall, seen from the line, on an eminence. Botany Bay, a place of singularly ill-omened name, is also on the left, or N. side. The hills before mentioned still form the back ground of the views on either side. Leaving the Chat Moss by the Barton embankment, the line passes
Patricroft Station;
Near to this are large iron foundries and silk works. The Bridgewater Canal passes under, and the turnpike-road over, the line. Monton Church and village appear N. of the road; and shortly after, the village and Church of Eccles are seen on the S.
This small place has achieved fame by two means: the death of Mr. Huskisson, which took place at the house of the Rev. Mr. Blackburn; and by its cakes, which the traveller is invited to purchase by a board over the door of a house close by the station, on which is inscribed, “This is the noted Eccles cake shop.” Passing
Waste Lane Station
some cottages and factories, and the city of chimneys, Manchester, appear in view. The village of Tinker’s Hollow, and
Cross Lane Bridge Station
being passed, also sundry arches and bridges across the river Irwell, and the engine, trains, and travellers, are received into the Company’s yard in Manchester.