The penalty for high treason in England, to be hanged,
drawn and quartered was a common occurrence during medieval times. Although it was abolished in
1814, this form of execution was responsible for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of deaths.
First, the victim is dragged on a wooden frame, called a hurdle, to the place of the execution.
Second, the victim is hanged by the neck for a short period of time until nearly dead (hanged).
Third, the
disembowelment and castration occur, where afterward, the entrails and genitalia are burned in front of the victim (drawn).
Finally, the body is divided into four separate parts and beheaded (quartered).
If you want a good example of someone being
hanged, drawn, and quartered watch the end of the movie
Braveheart.
