T. E. Lawrence Society vice-chairman Alan Payne and Oxfordshire City Councillor Liz Wade have appeared on That’s Oxfordshire TV to explain why Historic England has been mistaken in its decision not to list 2 Polstead Road as a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
The Society will be asking the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to review the decision. Oxford City Council, eminent historians and many residents of Oxford had supported this opportunity to officially recognise Lawrence’s family home as a cultural and historic asset to the City of Oxford.
Yet Historic England rejected our application for Listed status, claiming that the “national historic interest of Lawrence is not directly manifest in the house”.
In the 13-minute interview, Alan and Liz explain why the house and Lawrence’s garden bungalow are worthy of the special protections that Listed status would bring.