"Hanged, drawn, and quartered" was a gruesome method of execution used in England for several centuries, primarily for those convicted of high treason. The punishment was designed to be extremely painful and humiliating. Here's how it typically worked:
Hanging: The process would begin with the condemned person being dragged to the place of execution, often on a hurdle (a wooden frame). They would then be hanged by the neck but not to the point of death. This was meant to be a terrifying experience for the individual.
Drawing: After hanging, the person would be cut down while still alive. Then, the executioner would "draw" them, which involved disemboweling, castration (for males), and sometimes the removal of the heart. These actions were typically done in front of the crowd, adding to the horror of the spectacle.
Quartering: Finally, the body would be divided into four parts, and these quarters, along with the head, were often displayed in different locations as a warning to others.
This method of execution was used in England from the 13th century until 1870. Over time, it became less common, and eventually, it was abolished. The last person to be sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered in England was Francis Henry Thompson in 1867, but his sentence was later commuted to penal servitude for life.