Hess, Rudolf (1894-1987): papers regarding imprisonment

Scope and Content

Papers of Rudolf Hess, 1939-1985, comprise copies of correspondence and papers regarding the imprisonment of Rudolf Hess at Spandau Prison.

Administrative / Biographical History

Walter Richard Rudolf Hess was born April 26, 1894 and became was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, acting as Adolf Hitler's deputy in the Nazi Party. On the eve of war with the Soviet Union, he flew solo to Scotland in an attempt to negotiate peace with the United Kingdom, but instead was arrested. He was tried at Nuremberg and sentenced to life internment at Spandau Prison, where he remained until his death in 1987 as a result of strangulation by an electrical cord. The official cause of death was recorded as suicide.

Arrangement

Arranged in chronological order.

Access Information

Open

Acquisition Information

Deposited by Lutz Becker.

Other Finding Aids

A detailed description exists on the Wiener Library's online catalogue www.wienerlibrary.co.uk.

Archivist's Note

Compiled by Howard Falksohn.

Conditions Governing Use

Copies can be made for personal use. Permission must be sought for publication.

Custodial History

This material was collected with a view to making a documentary film on Rudolf Hess.

Corporate Names