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Wareham's town musuem has a large collection of Lawrence memorabilia
In St Martin's Church in Wareham lies a life-sized effigy of Lawrence of Arabia
The public viewing area at Bovingham Camp where Lawrence was based
See military vehicles being put through their paces
An unusual sight - tanks speeding around the heathland!

T E Lawrence of Arabia Biography Information

TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, lived in Dorset during the 1920s at Clouds Hill near Bovington, west of Wareham. He was celebrated as a national hero after the role he played as a British Liaison Officer in the British Army during the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918. He had an unconventional and interesting life making him an enigmatic figure of interest that endures today.

During his life he was a prolific writer. His major works the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is an account of his experiences throughout the wars in which he fought including insights into Arabian culture and geography. His associations with Dorset were at the latter end of his life when he sought seclusion in the Dorset countryside at Clouds Hill and met an untimely death on its country roads. His grave is at the small church in Moreton and an impressive life-sized effigy lays at St Martin's in Wareham.

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Clouds Hill - National Trust

Lawrence came to live in Dorset as a retreat from his fame. He tried to enlist as a private in the tank corps at Bovington. His family, the Framptons, owned much of the land around Bovington and he rented Clouds Hill cottage from them and later purchased it.

The isolated cottage has been left much as it was when Lawrence lived here. Its contents give a different insight into his personality and extraordinary life.

Open End Mar-Oct 12-5pm Thurs-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays. Clouds Hill, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7NQ. Telephone: 01929 405616. Email: cloudshill@nationaltrust.org.uk

It's well worth ringing the National Trust before visiting as Clouds Hill can sometimes be closed due to military exercises in the area.

T E Lawrence Death Moreton & Wareham

In 1935 Lawrence met an untimely death in a motorcycle accident near Moreton. He was only forty six years of age.

His grave is at St Nicholas Church in Moreton and the tea rooms in the old school in the village displays several photographs of the funeral and letters written by Lawrence to the Framptons.

There is also a life sized effigy of Lawrence in Arabic dress at St Martin's Church at Wareham. This was sculpted by war artist Eric Kennington and had been intended for his tomb at St Paul's Cathedral. However, at the time of his death the political unrest meant that they wouldn't accept it and it eventually found a home in this eleventh century church. If the church is closed you can obtain a key from the outfitters, AF Joy at 35 North Street. The church is usually open between Easter and October, Mon-Sat.

Wareham Town Museum is worth a visit for Lawrence enthusiasts. It contains a whole section on Lawrence of Arabia containing photographs and documents relating to his life both in Dorset and the Middle East.

Bovington Camp Tank Viewing Area

As you're travelling around Moreton towards Bovington Camp don't be surprised if you suddenly see a tank hurtling down the road!

Nearby is an MOD practice area where all kinds of military vehicles are driven through the heathlands. There's a viewing area just down the road from Clouds Hill. Even if you're not into military vehicles it's an impressive sight seeing huge armoured vehicles careering down the track.

The Tank Museum Bovington

Also at Bovington is the Tank Museum that houses the world's largest collection of armoured fighting vehicles including First World War tanks and the Challenger tank currently used by the military. There are also experimental designs on display.

The museum also organises a programme of events throughout the year so check their website, link right, for up-to-date information.

The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset BH20 6JG. Tel: 01929 405096. Fax: 01929 405360. Email: Corporate@tankmuseum.org

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