CHOWBENT, a hamlet in the parish of LEIGH, hundred of WEST-DERBY, county palatine of LANCASTER, 2 miles (N. E.) from Leigh, containing 4145 inhabitants. A chapel, which formerly belonged to a congregation of dissenters, was consecrated by Dr. Wilson, the pious and benevolent bishop of Sodor. and Man: the living is a donative, in the gift of Lord Lilford. There is a place of worship for Unitarians. This is a large village, in which the manufacture of nails is carried on to some extent; several carding-engines, spinning- frames, &c., were formerly made here. There are two fairs for toys, pedlary, &c., on June 29th and August 24th; but a market, formerly held by custom, has fallen into disuse.