I think with the hanging, drawn and quartering
they were usually merciful enough to ensure you were dead before the really grisly bit started
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 18 Aug 2010, 12:05, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

I don't think you're right.
They cut you down before you died from hanging, and sliced open your stomach and 'drew' out your innards whilst you were still alive to see it happen.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 18 Aug 2010, 12:25, Reply)

that was what was supposed to happen
but apparantly to be merciful, unless you were a real bastard they'd usually kill you just beforehand.

Edit: did some quick research. Seems like you're right most of the time the sentence was carried out properly. But there is a sizable minority where that small mercy was shown
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 18 Aug 2010, 12:28, Reply)

Yep
Then they dipped your innards in hot pitch and PUT THEM BACK inside you, before you were quartered. Head displayed on *mumblecough* bridge in London, rest of the bits scattered across the country.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Wed 18 Aug 2010, 12:31, Reply)