Albert Einstein letter from Norfolk Nazi hide-out sold at auction

The letter was one of 22 written by the Jewish scientist and other historical figures of the 20th century including Winston Churchill, Charles De Gaulle and Chiang Kai-shek to Oxford academic, Sir William David Ross.

The letters were donated to Oxfam by Sir William’s daughter, Katherine Ross, and raised £28,000 for the charity at an auction in London earlier this month.

Albert Einstein, pictured when he was staying near Cromer in Norfolk (Image: Supplied)

READ MORE: Owner's shock as XL Bully Denvor is killed in primary school after village rampage

Oxfam’s Shelley Hitch said: “We are so grateful for the support of Katharine Ross throughout her life and for her family gifting us such treasured and important letters.

“The money raised will help Oxfam and our partners continue to fight the injustice of poverty around the world.”

The letter written by Albert Einstein when he was staying near Cromer in Norfolk (Image: Chiswick Auctions)

Einstein’s letter, written in German, was sent from Cromer on October 1, 1933.

Einstein and his wife Elsa had fled Europe when Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power – hiding out at a farm in Roughton for three weeks before emigrating to the US on October 17, 1933.

He was in the UK at the invitation of MP Oliver Locker-Lampson, who he had previously met.

READ MORE: Road to close as bridge damaged in crash AGAIN - costing £15,000

During his stay in the country Einstein had an armed guard as it was thought his life could have been in danger due to how much he was hated by the Nazis.

Einstein made several trips to Newhaven Court – his host Mr Locker-Lampson’s grand summer house in Cromer - where he could receive and post letters.

Albert Einstein, with armed guards when he was staying near Cromer in Norfolk (Image: Supplied)

Einstein’s letter to Sir William - who at the time was provost of Oriel College, Oxford – voiced concern for a German philosopher, Professor Julius Stenzel.

A section of the letter reads: “Professor Zangger at the University of Zurich, asked me to make you aware of Prof. Stenzel in Kiel, who lost his position.

"He researches the history of science in ancient Greece and he is not in the position to contact you from Germany.

"The question is if there is a possibility to invite this gentleman to England or America as a guest lecturer.”

Einstein later suggests Ross contact Zangger directly “especially as I will be soon travelling to America".

Albert Einstein was born in Germany and eventually emigrated to the US (Image: PA)