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.