Fearless Facts About T.E. Lawrence, The Real "Lawrence Of Arabia”

1. The Real “Lawrence Of Arabia” 

Known to the world as “Lawrence of Arabia”, TE Lawrence remains one of the most legendary figures in history—perhaps that’s there’s still so many questions about the man himself. To some, he was a daring archaeologist who proved to be a great friend to the Arab people during a time of political turmoil and war. But to others, Lawrence would go on to become an agent of the British Empire after betraying a cause he once would have done anything to defend.  


2. His Family Had Scandalous Origins

Thomas Edward Lawrence was born in 1888, the second child of Sir Thomas Chapman and Sarah Junner. Junner had been the governess to Chapman’s daughters until the two ran off together. Looking to escape the scrutiny of their former community, Chapman and Junner moved from Ireland to Wales and lived under the name “Lawrence”. As he was named after his father, young Thomas Edward was called “Ned” by the family. 

But despite this affectionate nickname, Lawrence’s childhood was far from idyllic.

T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)

pavellas.blogspot, Wikimedia Commons

3. His Parents Kept Them In Line

With five boys to manage, it was no wonder that Lawrence’s parents tried to maintain strict discipline in the home. Lawrence’s mother often whipped him for minor misbehaviors, and tried to instill in him her own religious faith. However, the resistant lad was more interested in outdoor pursuits—and a different side of TE Lawrence was about to emerge.

Thomas Edward Lawrence Birth-Place Gorphwysfa

Lepidus Magnus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

4. He Moved To Oxford

After moving around Britain several times in Lawrence’s early childhood, the family settled in Oxford in 1896. Living in the university town was a turning point for the studious Lawrence; his father even built a separate shed for Lawrence to have more privacy while studying. But the young history student was far from your average bookworm.

T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)

Wikimedia Commons, Picryl