Kent's door was modest, belying the spacious elegance beyond. Although large, they were put up quickly and cheaply on soft soil with shallow foundations. The room therefore has a unique architectural feature: over the fireplace there is a window instead of the usual chimney breast. By 1857 Downing Street's townhouses were all gone except for Number 10, Number 11 (customarily the Chancellor of the Exchequer's residence), and Number 12 (used as offices for Government Whips). In 1879 a fire destroyed the upper floors of Number 12; it was renovated but only as a single-storey structure. Save. That if he declined it, it would go to the next in the Commission, or it might possibly be disposed of by the Board to any Member or Officer of the Treasury; but could not, & never has been detached from it. A ministerial department , also called Number 10. He had the Government Art Collection loan pieces. [27] Like Downing Street, it rested on a shallow foundation, a design error that caused problems until 1960 when the modern Number 10 was rebuilt on deep pilings. The remainder are on loan from private collectors and from public galleries such as the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery. From 2010 to 2012 and from May to September 2020, there was a Downing Street Permanent Secretary, held by Jeremy Heywood and Simon Case respectively, which ranked above the principal private Secretary to the prime minister. Berlin [42], Shortly after moving in, Walpole ordered that a portion of the land outside his study be converted into a terrace and garden. If you are a journalist with a press enquiry or interview request, please email our press office. [28], The Lichfields followed James II into exile after the Glorious Revolution. Walpole would live there as the incumbent First Lord, but would vacate it for the next one. You can also reach it by boat with City Cruises from the Westminster City Pier which is very nearby. "[86] Erith described the numbers on the front, intended to be based on historical models, as 'a mess' and 'completely wrong' to a fellow historian. [11] When the Hampden lease expired, Downing received permission to build on land further west to take advantage of more recent property developments. [15][16] In 1675 he retired to Cambridge, where he died in 1684, a few months after building was completed. Skirting boards, doors, sills and other woodwork were riddled and weakened with disease. With a wrought iron balustrade, embellished with a scroll design, and mahogany handrail, it rises from the garden floor to the third floor. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. [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). She said this needed to be addressed as a priority, and Boris Johnson agreed to the Office of the Prime Minister becoming a Government department. [136][150] (See North elevation of Number 10 with steps leading to the garden[151])[152] The terrace and garden have provided a casual setting for many gatherings of First Lords with foreign dignitaries, Cabinet ministers, guests, and staff. At the entrance, a screen of two pairs of Corinthian columns was erected (to carry the extra span of the ceiling) supporting a moulded entablature that wraps around the room. This system was used until November 1897 when the Treasury assumed responsibility for purchasing and maintaining almost all of the furnishings in both the public and private areas except decorating the walls with art work. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Jones, p. 52. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. As a precaution, the black oak door that had stood at the entrance of Number 10 since 1735 was replaced. Also,Wednesdays between 11 and 11:30 a.m. are good since the PM leaves at this time to head to Parliament. [147] (See the Small Dining or Breakfast Room c1927. . (2)You can actually see 10 Downing Street while taking a ride on the London Eye! Accessed through the first floor, its vaulted, arched ceiling rises up through the next so that it actually occupies two floors. [23], After Buckingham retired in 1676, Lady Charlotte Fitzroy, Charles II's daughter, moved in when she married Edward Lee, 1st Earl of Lichfield. Letters patent issued in April 1736 state that: "a piece of garden ground situated in his Majesty's park of St James's, & belonging & adjoining to the house now inhabited by the Right Honourable the Chancellor of His Majesty's Exchequer, hath been lately made & fitted up at the Charge of the Crown". Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. There were also delays when archaeological excavations uncovered important artefacts dating from Roman, Saxon and medieval times. Downing Street itself was built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing who had purchased a large tract of land near Parliament, on the edge of St. Jamess Park. The work of a slave of the holy place, Maqsud of Kashan in the year 926" (the Islamic year corresponding to 1520). This time the Board of Works declared that "the Repairs, Alterations & Additions at the Chancellor of the Exchequer's House will amount to the sum of 5,580, exclusive of the sum for which they already have His Majesty's Warrant. You may want to take a video from the bus since a still shot might be hard to capture while the bus is in motion. [70] This picture, too, became famous especially in India. [13], The upper end of the Downing Street cul-de-sac closed off the access to St James's Park, making the street quiet and private. He insisted that the Treasury should bear the cost of furnishings at least in the public areas. The Press Secretary will address the lobby correspondents at 10 Downing Street to give journalists information on events attended by the Prime Minister, as well as current affairs in Downing Street and in Parliament. FREE TOURS BY FOOT IS THE ORIGINAL PAY-WHAT-YOU-LIKE WALKING TOUR. These rooms are all in constant usage - Foreign dignitaries are entertained here and the Prime Minister and his government base the majority of their work at Number 10. 10 Downing Street, the locale of British prime ministers since 1735, vies with the White House as being the most important political building anywhere in the world in the modern era. With an area in No. See below for some tips on how to get the best view of the street and door. The interior wood in the Cabinet Room's double columns was like sawdust. [88] Further extensive repairs and remodelling, commissioned by Margaret Thatcher, were completed in the 1980s under the direction of Erith's associate, Quinlan Terry. Measuring 42 by 26 feet (12.8 by 7.9m), it is the largest room in Number 10. BOOK ONLINE Reserve a Spot on a Guided Walking Tour Now! With or without the prime minister present, visitors had their picture taken. Since the door had no keyhole, the inside officer depended upon the lone outside officer. The No. (See the State Dining room with the Silver Trust Silver in use for a luncheon[135]) Above the fireplace, overlooking the room, is a massive portrait by John Shackleton of George II, the king who originally gave the building to the First Lord of the Treasury in 1732. He felt thatit was not right that the public should be prevented from walking down the street and taking photographs outside Number 10. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Windsor Framework unveiled to fix problems of the Northern Ireland Protocol, PM speech on the Windsor Framework: February 2023, Exclusive interviews with former cabinet secretaries, Listen to Number 10 staff talk about their work, Prime Minister's and Cabinet Office ministers' transparency publications, PM statement to the House of Commons: 27 Feb 2023. [a] The reorganisation brought about the fusion of the old Prime Minister's Office and other Cabinet Office teams, with a number of units (including the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit) now reporting directly into the Prime Minister's Office. MS. 38292, f. 11) from Lord Liverpool to Charles Ellis, dated 22 January 1823, is of interest. You have accepted additional cookies. [157] These redecorations may reflect both individual taste as well as make a political statement. [9] Between 1682 and 1684, Downing built a cul-de-sac of two-storey town houses with coach-houses, stables and views of St James's Park. Greater transparency across government is at the heart of our commitment to let you hold politicians and public bodies to account. Henry Pelham, for example, had his own spacious home and had no need for Number 10. A note from Lord North to the Office of Works, dated September 1774, asks that the work on the front of the house, "which was begun by a Warrant from the Treasury dated 9 August 1766",[54] should be finished. This was the pattern until the beginning of the 20th century. 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. The prime minister's chair, the only one with arms, is situated midway along one side in front of the marble fireplace, facing the windows; when not in use, it is positioned at an angle for easy access. Likes. The terrace, extending across the back, provides a full view of St James's Park. 4 stars. A guard's chair designed by Chippendale sits in one corner. Boston The Morning Herald fumed about the expense: "500pounds p.a. Number 10 Downing Street was originally three properties: a mansion overlooking St James's Park called "the House at the Back", a town house behind it and a cottage. In 1766, for example, Charles Townshend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, pointed out that the house was in a dilapidated condition. [35] He proposedand the King agreedthat the Crown give the properties to the Office of First Lord of the Treasury. 10, Downing Street, circa 1754. Role. Also, take a look at the virtual tour of 10 Downing Street on the UK Government's website. The building hosts offices, conference, dining, and sitting rooms. The double doors behind the table lead to the State Dining Room. Downing Street apologised to Buckingham Palace after details emerged of boozy drinks parties, including one for outgoing communications director James Slack. List of current civil service and senior special adviser positions serving Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: The office was reorganised in 2001 into three directorates: Changes were intended to strengthen the PM's office. [94] (See The Entrance Door c1930: As seen from inside showing the black and white marble floor and the door providing access to Number 11)[103][104], When William Kent rebuilt the interior between 1732 and 1734, his craftsmen created a stone triple staircase. Overall rating. [24], The "House at the Back" reverted to the Crown when Lady Overkirk died in 1720. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme. At this time we are not able to respond to emails that do not fall into this category or are of a general nature.Please consider carefully whether your email is necessary and note that emails are not monitored throughout the day or at weekends. It presently houses the UK Cabinet Room in which Cabinet meetings in the UK take place, chaired by the current Prime Minister, Sunak. 1 December 2021, when asked by Sir Keir Starmer if rules were broken: "All guidance was followed completely in No 10." 8 December 2021, when asked whether there was a party in Downing Street on 13 . [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. Well send you a link to a feedback form. Charleston In 1997, the building was remodelled to provide extra space for the prime minister's greatly increased staff. [26], However, there have been numerous times when prime ministers have unofficially lived elsewhere out of necessity or preference. 4) What guidance is issued to the Downing Street Press Office, please provide documents, etc? "[45], Walpole lived in Number 10 until 1742. The table is surrounded by carved, solid mahogany chairs that also date from the Gladstone era. He originally intended that the street should be full of fine townhouses designed specifically for persons of good quality to inhabit in. 9. Executed in the Georgian style by the architect Kenton Couse, it is unassuming and narrow, consisting of a single white stone step leading to a modest brick front. This video below made for the 2012 Olympics, gives you a good look into the public rooms inside 10 Downing Street. Clickhere to get exact directions from your point of departure. 10, Downing Street: main doorway and kitchen, "Who has the key to front door of No. Originally three houses, Number 10 was offered to Robert Walpole by King George II in 1732. Culture: Bent, 286] Since July 2016 the Prime Minister has been Rt Hon Theresa May MP. The modern boat-shaped top, introduced by Harold Macmillan in the late 1950s, is supported by huge original oak legs. It was used as the dining room when Robert Walpole was prime minister. 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. In 1974, it was suggested that permanent barriers should be erected to prevent the public from walking along the street. You can take bus#11 or ahop-on, hop-off tour bus, both of which pass by frequently. The contact . Only a few are permanent features. The brass letterbox still bears the legend "First Lord of the Treasury". This arrangement began to change in 1877 when Benjamin Disraeli took up residency. [160], In 1985, Number 10 was 250 years old. The same restrictions applied when No 10 staff gathered for a "bring your own booze" event in the Downing Street garden. The new warrant issued in 1682 reads: "Sir George Downing [is authorised] to build new and more houses subject to the proviso that it be not built any nearer than 14feet of the wall of the said Park at the West end thereof". 10, Downing Street: breakfast room and smaller drawing room, Plate 117: No. Find a Business or Professional Service Provider in Edmonton, White Pages Canada . [125], In the restoration conducted in the late 1980s, Quinlan Terry restored the fireplace. 294 Following. Carved into the plasterwork above the door leading to the Pillared Room is a tribute to Margaret Thatcher: a straw-carrying 'thatcher'. Black and white engravings and photographs of all the past prime ministers decorate the wall. 10, Downing Street | British History Online", Plate 111: No. the locked door, symbolically and physically dividing No. 10 Downing Street in London Number 10 Downing Street is the residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Lord North certainly occupied it during the two years he was Chancellor of the Exchequer only. [61][62] (See Numbers 10, 11, and 12 Downing Street First Floor Plan[63] and Ground Floor Plan. Having united the structures, Kent gutted and rebuilt the interior. Get Niall Patrick's email address (n*****@number10.gov.uk) and phone number at RocketReach. At considerable expense, Buckingham rebuilt the house. 10, Downing Street: plan of alterations in 1781, "Electoral Commission to investigate Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat renovations", "Trump and May to meet for talks in Davos after 'special relationship' tested", 10 Downing Street: The World's Most Famous Front Door, Plate 118: No. To this end, he employed John Soane, the distinguished architect who had designed the Bank of England and many other famous buildings, to build a State Dining Room for Number 10. This was a formidable undertaking: the three buildings contained over 200 rooms spread out over five floors. 10, Downing Street, Cabinet Room", "The three state drawing rooms as reconstructed by Quinlan Terry 19881990", "Prime Minister Tony Blair in front of a painting of his famous predecessor, William Pitt the Younger (by artist George Romney), at 10 Downing Street", "Plate 126: No. After reconstruction had begun, miners dug down into the foundations and found that the huge wooden beams supporting the house had decayed. (See the three state drawing rooms. 10 Downing Street | 22,408 followers on LinkedIn. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. That has changed, and now security is very tight, as one would expect for the home of a country's head of government. The First Lord's new, albeit temporary, home had sixty rooms, with hardwood and marble floors, crown moulding, elegant pillars and marble mantelpieces; those on the west side with views of St James's Park. However, some commentators have suggested that Blair's reforms have created something similar to a Prime Minister's Department. 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' .