The T. E. Lawrence Society has submitted a formal application to Historic England to list Lawrence’s childhood home at 2 Polstead Road, Oxford, as a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
Working with Councillor Liz Wade of Oxford City Council, the Society was fortunate to be able to draw on support from around the world to put together documentary evidence to back its application, including photographs by members who have visited the house, and an architectural assessment by Robert Franklin of All Souls College.
Apart from emphasising the historic importance of the house, together with the bungalow built in the back garden for the youthful T. E. Lawrence, the Society’s application points out that 2 Polstead Road must be considered essentially to be a “building at risk”, having been empty for some time since the death of the previous occupant.
The Society will keep members informed on how the application progresses.