56 years ago today, December 18, 1969 (November 10, 1969 in the lunar calendar), the death penalty was abolished in the United Kingdom. On December 18, 1969, the British Parliament voted to abolish capital punishment. The House of Commons passed the bill three years ago, and today the House of Lords passed the case by voice vote. An amendment introduced on July 31, 1970 to allow the death penalty has been repealed. The only method of death in Britain has always been hanging. In 1957, this penalty was stipulated to apply to robbery and murder, resisting arrest and killing of police officers. However, in an increasing number of cases, criminals are sentenced to life imprisonment. The days of using gallows in British history are over. In the novels of writers who oppose hanging, such as Dickens, the gallows is a horrific impression that comes to mind. This publicly displayed penalty was later withheld and became more effective. In the late 18th century, gate valves were installed on the gallows, which quickly broke the necks of victims.