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WWI hero Lawrence of Arabia's sandals sold for thousands

News imageHansons Lawrence of Arabia's sandalsHansons
The auctioneer selling the sandals said the footwear "may be war-weary" but are still wearable

Sandals owned 100 years ago by Lawrence of Arabia have been bought at an auction in Derbyshire.

The footwear was part of a collection including one of Lawrence's books that had been left to a family friend.

The memorabilia was sold for £2,600 at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.

Thomas Edward Lawrence served as a British officer in the Middle East during World War One, and was played by Peter O'Toole in an Oscar-winning film.

News imageGetty Images Lawrence of ArabiaGetty Images
Thomas Edward Lawrence became well-known for his work in aiding the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire

Lawrence, born in Wales in 1888, was a diplomat, archaeologist and writer before becoming a soldier.

He lived in Dorset after the war and died in a motorcycle accident there in 1935.

The collection of items had been given to Rodney Havelock Walker, a family friend who had worn Lawrence's christening gown.

They were presented to the auctioneers in a plastic bag.

News imageHansons Lawrence collectionHansons
The collection of Lawrence memorabilia had been presented to auctioneers in a plastic bag