Forms of Hanging
A gallows can take several forms.
- the simplest form (as often used in the game "Hangman") resembles an inverted "L" (or a Cyrillic "Г"), with a single upright and a horizontal beam to which the rope noose would be attached.
- the horizontal crossbeam is supported at both ends.
- temporary gallows.
- the infamous Tyburn gallows was triangular in plan, with three uprights and three crossbeams, allowing up to 24 men and women to be executed simultaneously when all three sides were used.
Occasionally, an improvised gallows is used, usually by hanging the condemned from a tree or street light. Hangings from such improvised gallows are usually lynchings rather than judicial executions.
Read more about this topic: Gallows
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