Lawrence of Arabia centre planned at new museum

The life of Col T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, could feature at an expanded town museum.

Wareham Town Council in Dorset said it would "embrace its new role as the recognised national centre for T. E. Lawrence" following its purchase of a former bank next to its existing museum in North Street.

In 2025, 55% of residents voted to pay an extra £50 in council tax to help buy the building, which was for sale for £695,000.

The site will also include a new tourist information centre, after the previous one formally closed in 2021.

The purchase, announced on 2 March, secures a building that has been empty since 2018.

The town council holds the T.E. Lawrence Society collection, comprising books, papers and other material.

Wareham Town Clerk Nicola Gray said: "Securing 2 North Street is a major step forward for Wareham.

"It will give the Town Museum the space it needs to properly tell the story of one of England's most important Saxon towns, while also embracing its new role as the recognised national centre for T. E. Lawrence following the transfer of the T.E. Lawrence Society Collection from Oxford."

Wareham Mayor Zoe Gover said: "It is a practical investment in Wareham's future and in the long-term vitality of our town centre."

The council said the next steps were to apply for external funding and draw up detailed designs.

The World War One exploits of Col Lawrence in the Middle East were made into a 1962 Oscar-winning film, starring Peter O'Toole.