a 'normal' death
Death seemed to be a very common punishment for many serious offenses of the time period. Though the justice system working under Queen Elizabeth I seemed to prefer using either hanging or the block to deal with the execution of offenders. Both of these deaths were a very terrifying prospect to those who faced the death sentence, but the block was a by far worse destination to end up. When done correctly hanging can result in an instant death breaking the neck of the victim if the noose is placed in the right spot, while beheading on the block proved to be a longer suffering. Executions often took several swings to fully cut the head of the criminal from their body, but the punishment did not end with death as the executioner would proceed to pick up the head of the deceased by the hair and show it to the crowd. Mostly unknown at the time but consciousness is maintained for up to 8 seconds after being beheaded until lack of oxygen to the brain shuts it down, allowing the beheaded to possibly have thoughts and see even after having their head removed. Then even depending on the crime the head of the deceased would be placed on a spear to be displayed, usually on the London Bridge or other very visible places. But this awful death was not only a physical punishment, the deaths of criminals were witnessed by large groups of onlookers. For an average execution night many would gather to witness the festivities especially those who could not afford to attended the theater, but any high profile criminals executions were saved the eyes of just specific members of the nobility.