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).