Lawrence of Arabia

           T. E. Lawrence, 1888 -1935

In 1915 Turkey allied herself with Germany in the Great War. The Turkish Ottoman Empire had ruled the middle east for centuries. This alliance threatened Britain’s lifeline to the Empire: the Suez Canal.

T E Lawrence was a young Military Intelligence officer with prewar knowledge of Arabia and Arab culture. He devised a plan to amalgamate the Bedouin tribes and led a successful revolt against their Turkish oppressors.

Lawrence’s exploits earned him fame and respect, but the refusal of European politicians to allow Arab autonomy left Lawrence feeling betrayed and embittered. After the war he sought anonymity by changing his name and rejoining the army.

Wareham Town was visited regularly by T E Lawrence during his latter years when he was living at Clouds Hill, his retreat near Bovington, and Wareham Town Museum has devoted a special section to Lawrence with important documents and other exhibits connected with his full and fascinating life.

Some of the Wareham Town Museum volunteers have recently completed a 63 minute documentary "T E Lawrence - His Final Years in Dorset" with the help and knowledge of local people, which explores the final years of Lawrence’s life in Dorset and includes the events leading up to his untimely death on one of his beloved Brough motorcycles in 1935.