T.E. Lawrence, using the name 'Aircraftsman Shaw', rented this little brick and tile cottage on the slopes of Clouds Hill in 1923 as a retreat from nearby Bovington Camp when he rejoined the Air Force.
Lawrence used the pseudonym Shaw to avoid publicity after his return from North Africa, where he was better known as 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Lawrence later bought the cottage and it became his 'earthly paradise'. He did not sleep at the cottage but spent evenings away from the camp reading, writing and listening to Beethoven and Mozart on his gramophone.
Friends invited to the cottage were served picnic meals washed down with water or china tea but never alcohol.
At Clouds Hill Lawrence found the peace and quiet he needed to work on 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' which was published in 1926.
The tiny rooms of Clouds Hill are as Lawrence left them with simple and austere furnishings, some of which he made himself. The cottage reflects his complex personality and monastic way of life. The crowded book room is lined with shelves from floor to ceiling.
Under the roof is the music room, which contains Lawrences's wind-up gramophone with its huge horn curling over a leather sofa. His 78 r.p.m.records are still there, as are photographs relating to his Arabian campaign.
In 1935, after spending many years in the Air Force away from the cottage, Lawrence was discharged at the age of 46 and returned to Clouds Hill to live out his days.
Five days later he was killed in a crash on his motor cycle when returning to Clouds Hill from Bovington Camp.
2008: 20 Mar-26 Oct: 12:00-17:00 Thur-Sun. Open Bank Hol Mons. Closes dusk if earlier. Last entry 30mins before close.
Tel: 01929 405616 Clouds Hill Website
