TE Lawrence’s time in Dorset began in 1923. He was a well known soldier, writer and historian who had ties to Wareham.
Originally from North Wales, TE Lawrence, also known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, joined the Tank Corps at Bovington and bought nearby ‘Clouds Hill’.
Surrounded by acres of rhododendrons and bird calls, and now owned by the National Trust, this small brick and tile house was originally built in 1808 as a gamekeeper’s cottage.
Initially renting it and then buying it, TE Lawrence’s ‘hut’ allowed him time to enjoy reading and writing as well as being a host to guests including writer and poet Thomas Hardy.
The celebrated writer Thomas Hardy was born in Dorset. If you would like to learn about places associated with him close by, please refer to our blog ‘Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset’.
During TE Lawrence’s time in Dorset, the cottage was a peaceful retreat which he bought whilst in the Tank Corps at nearby Bovington.
If you have not visited the Tank Museum in Bovington, we highly recommend it. Please refer to our blog ‘The Tank Museum near our B&B’.
Tragically TE Lawrence was involved in a fatal crash on his Brough Superior motorcycle and died in 1935. He had swerved to avoid two boys on bicycles.
This is the beautiful St Nicholas Church in the small pretty village of Moreton. It is the final resting place of TE Lawrence, where his funeral took place on 21st May 1935.
The impressive church is Georgian Gothic and dates to 1776. The unique glass windows, which let so much natural light in, were engraved by the late Sir Laurence Whistler, British poet and artist. The cemetery next to the church is where Lawrence’s grave can be found.
If you are interested in local churches, please refer to our blog ‘5 Local Churches in Dorset’.
Moreton Ford is very picturesque. You can take a walk on the bridge over the River Frome.
You may also fancy a stroll and a cuppa at The Walled Garden. It is a landscaped formal garden with on-site café, garden shop, children’s play area and has a range of small animals to see.
If you are interested in Saxon history, it’s worth visiting St Martin’s Church in Wareham. It’s the most complete Saxon Church in Dorset believed to date from 1020. Inside there is also a stone memorial of TE Lawrence.
The Wareham Town Museum has devoted a special section to TE Lawrence with important documents and other exhibits connected with his full and fascinating life.
Wareham is a preferred holiday destination for people interested in Saxon history, as well as TE Lawrence. Find out here ‘What to do on your day in Wareham’.
If you are a real fan of TE Lawrence, you may also want to sit in the window seat where he spent many a pleasant hour drinking coffee at The Anglebury House Restaurant and Bar in Wareham.
For those energetic ones amongst us, there is a Lawrence of Arabia Trail which explores TE Lawrence’s time in Dorset from Bovington where he served, to his home at Clouds Hill and finally his last resting place at the cemetery in Moreton.
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