A SERIES of events is being held this month to explore the life of the secretive and fascinating TE Lawrence.

The events mark 100 years since his part in the Great Arab Revolt and are hosted by the National Trust team at Clouds Hill.

A spokesman for the National Trust said: "Born the illegitimate son of an Anglo-Irish baronet and his Scottish governess, Lawrence gained fame as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ before seeking obscurity in the pseudonym ‘T E Shaw’ at Bovington Camp, near his retreat Clouds Hill. The events will cover aspects of his life, from a cycle ride to celebrate his love of cycling and visits from Brough motorbikes, to talks on his life including performances of his writings and a look at his relationship with local author, Thomas Hardy.

"Over the fortnight, spanning the anniversary of his death, there will be ten speakers giving free talks on key parts of Lawrence’s life, from ‘T E Lawrence: Influences of family life’, by Marilyn Holehouse, to ‘Why Aqaba?’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’s War’, by Roger Holehouse and Neil Faulkner respectively, examining his military tactics and strategy around 1917. All talks take place at Clouds Hill during opening hours and are free, but normal admission applies."

On Thursday, May 19 at 4pm, there will be a performance at Thomas Hardy’s home of Max Gate, imagining one of the regular tea visits and the subsequent conversations that took place between these two very different literary figures.
Booking is not required and tickets cost £3/£2 plus normal admission. 

The middle of the fortnight will be marked by a visit to the cottage of the Dorset Brough Group on Saturday, May 13 at 2pm (weather permitting). They will be bringing a selection of Brough motorcycles, as favoured by T E Lawrence, and one of the few luxury items that he indulged himself. 

The fortnight will then end on a ‘Round the Houses’ cycle ride between Dorchester, Thomas Hardy’s houses of Max Gate and Hardy’s Cottage, and Clouds Hill. This is organised in partnership with West Dorset Cyclists Touring Club, as part of an initiative to encourage visitors to use greener transport to visit National Trust properties and share in Lawrence and Hardy’s love of cycling. It also gives visitors the chance to see, hear and breathe in the beautiful and varied Dorset scenery from a higher vantage point. 

Tickets cost £10, which includes admission to three properties on day. Registration is at 9.30am for 10am start from Top o’ Town car park in Dorchester.

For more information on any of the events, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill/ or ring Clouds Hill (National Trust) on 01929 405616.