The director of an upcoming film about the death of T.E Lawrence has accused the National Trust of ‘censorship’ after being denied permission to film scenes on its property.

‘Lawrence: After Arabia’, a feature film to be shot on location in Dorset, will take a new look at the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of the military officer and archaeologist.

Director Mark Griffin had hoped to use Clouds Hill, a cottage once used as a retreat by T.E. Lawrence, as a location for filming, however, the National Trust, custodian of the property, has denied consent.

Mr Griffin said: “We received an email to say that the custodian and volunteers at the property said they could not support the project because they believe the film perpetuates the theory of Lawrence’s death being a conspiracy. This is censorship pure and simple.

“No one from the property or the National Trust discussed the content of the screenplay.

“The National Trust head office were originally very supportive as they felt the British drama would increase visitor numbers at the property, rekindle interest in TE Lawrence and Clouds Hill would be an authentic location for the film.”

A spokesman for National Trust South West said permission to film at Clouds Hill was never given, despite Mr Griffin’s claims that ‘initial consent’ had been withdrawn.

Mr Griffin added: “Most of our cast and crew are Dorset based and many are National Trust members. Clouds Hill is after all owned by the nation.”

“I am confident for the sake of common sense this ridiculous decision by the National Trust is reversed.”

In 1935, Lawrence was fatally injured in a motorcycle crash when he swerved to avoid two boys on their bicycles on a road near his home. While his death was recorded as an accident, Mr Griffin believes he may have been killed on the orders of the British secret service. A National Trust spokesman said: “The filming and locations office at the National Trust take filming and photography applications forward to the property to see if the property can accommodate, in this case the property was not able to.”

“All requests for commercial access to National Trust sites are assessed against the aims and values of the Trust, both at a national and local level. In this case alternative locations were offered.”

The film is due to complete filming in summer 2019 for release in May 2020.