The first mechanical alarm clock was invented by Levi Hutchins, of New Hampshire, in the United States, in 1787. This device he made only for himself however, and it only rang at 4 AM, in order to wake him for his job.

How did people wake up before alarm clocks?

The ancient Greeks and Egyptians developed sundials and towering obelisks that would mark the time with a shadow that moved with the sun. Dating back to around 1500 B.C., humans produced hourglasses, water clocks and oil lamps, which calibrated the passing of hours with movements of sand, water and oil.

Did they have alarm clocks in the 1800s?

Though personal alarm clocks were eventually patented in Europe in 1847 (and 1876 in America), they didn't really catch on until later. ... Working in Britain and Ireland as late as the 1970s, these professional human alarm clocks would tap on their customers' bedroom windows until they were positive the person was awake.