Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence CB, DSO, known professionally as T. E. Lawrence, was a British soldier renowned especially for his liaison role during the Arab Revolt of 1916–18. The breadth of his fame is unique – archaeologist, scholar, soldier, writer. Always an independent spirit, he was a friend of many artists as well as soldiers and politicians. His vivid writings, along with the extraordinary breadth and variety of his activities and associations, have made him the object of fascination throughout the world as “Lawrence of Arabia”.
T.E. Lawrence died in a motorcycle accident and was buried on May 21st 1935 in the cemetery annexe of St Nicholas Church, Moreton, just a few miles from his home at Clouds Hill in Dorset.
Although it might be expected that Lawrence should have beeen buried in Westminster Abbey, this quiet place in Dorset is not inappropiate given that Lawrence spent his last years hiding from the unwelcome fame of his wartime exploits. His funeral was attended by a multitude of soldiers, statesmen, writers and artists.
Not only is this site in Dorset quiet and unexpected, the grave itself is quite modest. He was not normally a modest man.
He assumed an alias, T. E. Shaw to avoid the limelight. But as ever the press hunted him down and exposed the alias.
Sounds as though he was a man of many talents.
Yes there were many aspects to the man. Most people only know him from his war time exploits but there is much more to him.
sounds like a multi-faceted person, CP. i have heard of the name but confess that i am not familiar with his various pursuits.
He has an interesting history.