The Tower of London is a historic landmark that has witnessed centuries of intriguing tales and gruesome events. One such infamous event is the imprisonment of individuals within its formidable walls. Over the centuries, countless prisoners have been held captive in the Tower, but who was the last person to be imprisoned there?
The Last Prisoner: Rudolf Hess
In the annals of history, Rudolf Hess holds the distinction of being the last person imprisoned in the Tower of London. Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1894, Hess was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, serving as Adolf Hitler’s Deputy Fuhrer.
In May 1941, during World War II, Hess embarked on an audacious solo flight to Scotland with a peace proposal. His mission was to negotiate a peace treaty between Germany and Britain. However, his plan ended in failure when he crash-landed near Eaglesham in Scotland.
Hess was promptly arrested and detained by British authorities before being transferred to various locations across the country. Eventually, he found himself imprisoned within the storied walls of the Tower of London.
An Imprisonment Shrouded in Mystery
Hess’s imprisonment at the Tower of London remains shrouded in mystery and controversy. He spent four days within its confines from May 20th to May 24th before being moved elsewhere.
During his brief stay at the Tower, Hess was placed under tight security measures. His cell was located on Wakefield Tower’s ground floor, which provided little opportunity for escape.
Life at The Tower
Life as a prisoner at the Tower of London was far from comfortable for anyone incarcerated within its walls. The conditions were harsh and unforgiving.
- Daily Routine: Prisoners would rise early in the morning and be given a simple breakfast consisting of bread and water.
- Exercise: Exercise was limited, with prisoners allowed a short period in the Tower’s courtyard.
- Food: Meals were sparse and lacked variety. Rations primarily consisted of bread, water, and occasionally small portions of meat or vegetables.
- Solitary Confinement: Some prisoners were subject to solitary confinement, isolated from the outside world.
The Tower of London was notorious for its oppressive atmosphere, serving as a symbol of power and intimidation for centuries.
The Aftermath
In August 1941, Hess was transferred to Mytchett Place in Surrey, where he remained imprisoned until the end of World War II. He would later stand trial at Nuremberg, where he was found guilty of crimes against peace and conspiracy to commit crimes against peace.
Ultimately, Hess spent the remainder of his life in Spandau Prison before his death by suicide in 1987.
A Haunting Legacy
The Tower of London stands today as a reminder of its grim past. While Rudolf Hess may have been the last person imprisoned within its walls, countless others before him faced imprisonment, torture, and execution within this hallowed fortress.
The Tower’s rich history continues to captivate visitors from around the world who seek to explore its secrets while reflecting on the suffering endured by those who came before us.
As we delve into stories like that of Rudolf Hess and others who were imprisoned at the Tower of London, we gain insight into a dark chapter in human history that must never be forgotten or repeated.