This arrangement began to change in 1877 when Benjamin Disraeli took up residency. [161] Also in attendance were Elizabeth II and representatives of the families of every 20th-century Prime Minister since H. H. Asquith, including Lady Olwen Carey Evans (daughter of David Lloyd George), Lady Leonora Howard (daughter of Stanley Baldwin), and Clarissa Avon (widow of Anthony Eden and niece of Winston Churchill). It was an easy transition: he was already First Lord of the Treasury and he was already living in Number 10. The other floors contain offices and conference, reception, sitting and dining rooms where the prime minister works, and where government ministers, national leaders and foreign dignitaries are met and hosted. ", "QI: Quite interesting facts about 10 Downing Street", Plate 126: No. To its left is a long case clock by Benson of Whitehaven. The interior wood in the Cabinet Room's double columns was like sawdust. Get 5 free searches. [124], A Persian carpet covers almost the entire floor. This structure can be seen today as the rear section of Number 10. You have accepted additional cookies. 8/29/2013. As noted above, you cannot walk on Downing Street as a member of the general public. They said sure no problem and booked my appointment. [90], To accommodate their large families, both Tony Blair and David Cameron chose to live in the private residence above Number 11 rather than the smaller one above Number 10. 10 Downing Street in London, also known colloquially in the United Kingdom as Number 10, is the official residence and executive office of the First Lord of the Treasury, usually, by convention, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. British History Online, Letter (B.M. "[45], Walpole lived in Number 10 until 1742. . )[26][55], Treasury officials complained that the building was costing too much to maintain; some suggested that it should be razed and a new house constructed on the site or elsewhere. There have been barriers erected along both sides of Downing Street since the 1920s. View Company Not the person you were looking for? To find more go to "More details" about the price bundles. Press office: responsible for relations with the media, Research and information unit: provides factual information to No. I had called them asking if they could add a toner to my hair over the phone . Within a few years, dry rot was discovered, especially in the main rooms due to inadequate waterproofing and a broken water pipe. [72], The symbol of British government, Number 10 became a gathering place for protesters. New York City Since 2005, Number 10's Direct Communication Unit has not used its staff's real names on signed correspondence to MPs and members of the public; this is for security reasons. Downing Street apologised to Buckingham Palace after details emerged of boozy drinks parties, including one for outgoing communications director James Slack. Painted off-white with large floor to ceiling windows along one of the long walls, the room is light and airy. 10 from the Cabinet Office, was passed through with such frequency that its meaning was lost. [24], The "House at the Back" reverted to the Crown when Lady Overkirk died in 1720. Jones, p. 89 and see also Soane's sketches of several versions of the State Dining Room on p. 84. secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, This became the subject of public controversy, principal private secretary to the prime minister, Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Downing Street Director of Communications, Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, "10 Surprising facts about Number 10 Downing Street", Cabinet Office letter dated 9 October 2018, "No. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. In 1985, Margaret Thatcher said Number 10 had become "one of the most precious jewels in the national heritage". Since 1735, it has been home to the UK's prime ministers. In 1924 when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald took office, he did not own nor have the means to buy an extensive art collection. The building itself is made up of over 100 hundred rooms only part of which is actually residential. A ministerial department , also called Number 10. . 10, Downing Street, circa 1754. Balfour revived the custom that Number 10 is the First Lord and Prime Minister's official residence. A private residence for the prime minister's use occupies the third floor and there is a kitchen in the basement. [4], 10 Downing Street is Government property. She was the grandmother of King George I, the Elector of Hanover, who became King of Great Britain in 1714, and was the great-grandmother of King George II, who presented the house to Walpole in 1732. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Upon Inquiry, however, it appeared that the House was attached to the Treasury as a Part of the Office. [56] In 1783 the Duke of Portland moved out because it was once again in need of repair. [14], Downing did not live in Downing Street. Lister served as acting chief of staff, but was replaced by Dan Rosenfield, who officially assumed the role in January 2021. Winston Churchill, for example, had a great affection for Number 10, but, during World War II, he grudgingly slept in the hastily converted flat on the ground floor of what was then the New Public Office building (NPO) at nearby Storey's Gate. Early in the 17th century, the Cockpit was converted to a concert hall and theatre; after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, some of the first cabinet meetings were held there secretly. Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in October 2022. The building also hosts foreign dignitaries, national leaders, and government ministers. John Major announced his 1997 resignation as leader of the Conservative Party in the garden. [10], Straightforward as the investment seemed, it proved otherwise. To them, Number 10 was unimpressive. The freedom fighters could see their leader had been received in the prime minister's home. We covered all issues in some detail, including the most difficult ones. 10 Downing Street The Office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; also known as '10 Downing Street' or 'No 10' . The work included: "The Back passage into Downing street to be repaired and a new door; a New Necessary House to be made; To take down the Useless passage formerly made for the Maids of Honour to go into Downing Street, when the Queen lived at the Cockpit; To New Cast a great Lead Cistern & pipes and to lay the Water into the house & a new frame for ye Cistern". Dry rot was widespread throughout. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Here he is, on May 24, 2019, being escorted into the residence just minutes before Theresa May stood in front of the famous black door and announced her resignation. [42], Shortly after moving in, Walpole ordered that a portion of the land outside his study be converted into a terrace and garden. [6][7][8] In 1654, he purchased the lease on land south of St James's Park, adjacent to the House at the Back within walking distance of parliament. Public Enquiries: Online Contact Form. [18], For many years, the "House at the Back" was the home of Thomas Knevett, Keeper of Whitehall Palace, famous for capturing Guy Fawkes in 1605 and foiling his plot to assassinate King James I. As many as 40 coats of paint were stripped from the elaborate cornices in the main rooms revealing details unseen for almost 200 years in some cases. [40] Seldom seen by anyone other than staff, the space is two storeys high with a huge arched window and vaulted ceiling. . [136] Celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson have cooked for Prime Ministers' guests using the small kitchen next door. [116] It also contains two large bookcases that house the prime minister's library; Cabinet members traditionally donate to the collection on leaving office a tradition that began with Ramsay MacDonald in 1931. [132], In the renovation of the 1980s Quinlan Terry introduced large Doric order columns to this room in the door surrounds and designed a very large Palladian overmantel for the fireplace with small double Doric columns on each side with the royal arms above. "The whole project has been a frightful waste of money because it just has not been done properly. You can take bus#11 or ahop-on, hop-off tour bus, both of which pass by frequently. [22], In 1671 George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham took possession when he joined the Cabal Ministry. A committee found that the money spent so far was insufficient. 's office, based at 10 Downing Street. Prime Minister Tony Blair, for example, hosted a farewell reception in 2007 for his staff on the terrace. Pictures of prime ministers with distinguished guests at the door became commonplace. Grace. [158], In addition to outstanding artwork, Number 10 contains many exceptional pieces of furniture either owned by the house or on loan. Get Niall Patrick's email address (n*****@number10.gov.uk) and phone number at RocketReach. Due to bomb damage in 1940, the Treasury relocated to the Government Offices Great George Street. From 1834 to 1877, it was either vacant or used only for offices and meetings. When Margaret Thatcher came to power it was the Blue Room; she had it re-decorated and renamed the Green Room. He then moved the chimney to the east side, running a Y-shaped split flue inside the walls up either side of one of the windows above. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. 8,439 talking about this. Also,Wednesdays between 11 and 11:30 a.m. are good since the PM leaves at this time to head to Parliament. )[58][59], A few prime ministers however did enjoy living in Number 10. The Office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; also known as '10 Downing Street' or 'No 10' . [47][48][49][50][51][note 1], Another reason for its unpopularity was that Number 10 was a hazardous place in which to live. Press Briefing Afternoon 11 June 2012 . [97][98][99], After the IRA mortar attack in 1991, the original black oak door was replaced by a blast-proof steel one. Its registered legal title is held in the name of the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities (the secretary of state is a corporation sole).[5]. Boston It was here that Edward Heath kept his grand piano. In 1974, it was suggested that permanent barriers should be erected to prevent the public from walking along the street. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Nashville The arrangement became the standard practice. [34], Walpole did not accept the gift for himself. Of the 31 First Lords from 1735 to 1902, only 16 (including Walpole) lived in Number 10. See letter, dated, "Downing Street, 30 June 1742", from. Nassau, who Anglicised his name to "Overkirk", lived there until his death in 1708. Should you want to visit this historic street to get a glimpse of the iconic black door of No. A new foundation with deep pilings would be laid and the original buildings reassembled on top of it, allowing for much needed expansion and modernisation. 10, Downing Street: main doorway and kitchen, "Who has the key to front door of No. Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. Only a few are permanent features. Although large, they were put up quickly and cheaply on soft soil with shallow foundations. Socialising indoors with people. Skirting boards, doors, sills and other woodwork were riddled and weakened with disease. The double doors behind the table lead to the State Dining Room. Jones, see back cover picture credited to Robert Hill @ BBC. The Treasury agreed and a complex accounting procedure was developed whereby the outgoing prime minister was required to pay for "wear and tear" on furnishings that had been purchased by the Treasury. 4) What guidance is issued to the Downing Street Press Office, please provide documents, etc? [131], The Terracotta Room is the middle of the three drawing rooms. MS. 38292, f. 11) from Lord Liverpool to Charles Ellis, dated 22 January 1823, is of interest. The work of a slave of the holy place, Maqsud of Kashan in the year 926" (the Islamic year corresponding to 1520). As a former chemist, she took pleasure in devoting the Small Dining Room to a collection of portraits of British scientists, such as Joseph Priestley and Humphry Davy. Two years later in 1690, William III and Mary II gave the "House at the Back" to Hendrik van Nassau-Ouwerkerk, a Dutch general who had assisted in securing the Crown for the Prince of Orange. 10 Downing Street Bhopal. Lord Frost, Chief Negotiator, said: "We have just completed our eighth round of negotiations with the EU. Charleston [105][106] At the bottom of the staircase are group photographs of Prime Ministers with their Cabinet ministers and representatives to imperial conferences. [146], Above Taylor's vaulted kitchen, between the Pillared Room and the State Dining room, Soane created a Smaller Dining Room (sometimes called the Breakfast Room) that still exists. Having united the structures, Kent gutted and rebuilt the interior. [11] When the Hampden lease expired, Downing received permission to build on land further west to take advantage of more recent property developments. Measuring 42 by 26 feet (12.8 by 7.9m), it is the largest room in Number 10. [77][81] Macmillan lived in Admiralty House during the reconstruction. International agreements have been signed in this room. Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. The original door was put on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. This project was completed in 1737 and included corridors connecting the Treasury building with Ten Downing Street allowing Walpole, as Chancellor of the Exchequer as well as First Lord of the Treasury and Prime Minister, direct and convenient access to the Treasury offices. [160], In 1985, Number 10 was 250 years old. [125], In the restoration conducted in the late 1980s, Quinlan Terry restored the fireplace. The staircase had sunk several inches; some steps were buckled and the balustrade was out of alignment. Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragette leaders stormed Downing Street in 1908;[73] anti-Vietnam War protestors marched there in the 1960s, as did anti-Iraq War protestors in 2005. Kent's staircase is the first architectural feature visitors see as they enter Number 10. Regularly removed for refurbishment and replaced with a replica, it is so heavy that it takes eight men to lift it. [29] (See Buildings on the Site of the Cockpit and Number 10 Downing Street c1720)[26][30], The name of the "House at the Back" changed with the occupant, from Lichfield House to Overkirk House in 1690 to Bothmer House in 1720.
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