Rumor has it than if you tried to commit suicide in the mid-19th century England and failed to do so, the punishment was death by hanging! But is this true?
The short answer is “No”, but, up until 1961, attempting to commit suicide in England and Wales, was considered a felony. Contrary to popular belief though, the punishment for the crime was not… death by hanging but prison and fine.
In the case the person actually managed to commit suicide, the punishment affected its relatives. The deceased’s family were stripped of their belongings and they were handed to the Crown.
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Photo: Alexandre Gabriel Decamps / The Suicide Walters
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