Stavesman

The area of the square was crowded with stavesmen and spectators: the candidates rode as usual.

They were escorted to the Swan Inn, by twenty four stavesmen, headed by Bishop, the London police officer, who had been engaged to assist at the Election in case of need.

Then came the marshal of the Merchant Tailors’ Company, bearing the shield of the arms of England, succeeded by four stavesmen of the company, with their badges of office.

The criminal was conveyed in a cart to Tyburn, the parson chanting prayer and hymn on the route, and in passing through the quarter of St. Giles, a bowl of ale was always offered to the condemned to drink, the procession of Sheriffs, Stavesmen, and Constables, halting on the way for the purpose.