On Jan 5, the doors were thrown open and a steady stream of people flowed through. The crowds were so huge that scuffles broke out and the governor of the hospital, Admiral Lord Hood, was forced to call in the local militia to assist with control. On Wednesday Jan 8, there was a "Grand River Procession" from Greenwich to London. A large flotilla was assembled, with many smaller craft escorting 16 principal barges. Among these were the State Barge of the City of London, a magnificent, gilded vessel - similar in its elaborate decoration to the Lord Mayor's coach, which still survives - and 11 barges owned by the City Livery Companies, their colourful banners snapping in the wind.