eight o'clock
Messengers were despatched to all the constables and head-boroughs to be in attendance , -- to the sheriffs to have an extraordinary number of their officers in attendance , -- and to the Savoy , to obtain the escort of a troop of grenadier-guards . In short , more preparations were made than if a state criminal was about to be executed . The morning of Monday the 16th of November 1724 at length dawned . It was a dull , foggy day , and the atmosphere was so thick and heavy , that , at eight o'clock , the curious who arrived near the prison could scarcely discern the tower of St. Sepulchre 's church . By and by the tramp of horses ' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow Hill , and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area facing Newgate . These were presently joined by a regiment of foot . A large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance , the chief of whom entered the Lodge , where they were speedily joined by the civic authorities .