[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. )[64], When Lord Salisbury retired in 1902, his nephew, Arthur James Balfour, became Prime Minister. [21], George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, the general responsible for the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, lived there from 1660 until his death in 1671. Most are on loan. Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in October 2022. However, some commentators have suggested that Blair's reforms have created something similar to a Prime Minister's Department. (3)Make sure to go to the gates on Whitehall, which is where you will get your best pictures through the heavy security and barriers. You can change your cookie settings at any time. 9. [56] This proved to be a gross underestimate; the final bill was over 11,000. [158], In addition to outstanding artwork, Number 10 contains many exceptional pieces of furniture either owned by the house or on loan. [65] The flat became known as the No.10 Annexe, and lay above the much more comprehensive underground bunker now known as the Cabinet War Rooms, and where he also had a bedroom, very rarely used. Although he had accepted it on behalf of future First Lords of the Treasury, it would be 21 years before any of his successors chose to live there; the five who followed Walpole preferred their own homes. A few peers lived in Number 10 out of necessity. Soane was the guest of honour when the dining room was first used on 4 April 1826. It was an easy transition: he was already First Lord of the Treasury and he was already living in Number 10. Lisbon Usually furnished with a mahogany table seating only eight, Prime Ministers have often used this room when dining with family or when entertaining special guests on more personal state occasions. [37] This small house and the mansion at the back were then incorporated into Number 10. To its left is a long case clock by Benson of Whitehaven. 3) What is the phone number of the Downing Street Press Office? The town house, from which the modern building gets its name, was one of several built by George Downing between 1682 and 1684. Regularly removed for refurbishment and replaced with a replica, it is so heavy that it takes eight men to lift it. In 1800 the wealth he had accumulated was used to found Downing College, Cambridge, as had been his wish should his descendants fail in the male line. [148])[149], The terrace and garden were constructed in 1736 shortly after Walpole moved into Number 10. I had called them asking if they could add a toner to my hair over the phone . International agreements have been signed in this room. There were also delays when archaeological excavations uncovered important artefacts dating from Roman, Saxon and medieval times. Albemarle is the first treasury minister to have lived in what became the home of the First Lord of the Treasury and Prime Minister. [24] (See Plan of the Premises Granted to the Earl and Countess of Lichfield in 1677)[25][26] The likely reason that repair was required is that the house had settled in the swampy ground near the Thames, causing structural damage. Here are some tips on how to get a good glimpse of the famous black door (and perhaps famous people as well). It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. For obvious safety reasons, the public is not allowed to walk on Downing Street, let alone go into the residence of the Prime Minister (PM). [54] While there, Pitt reduced the national debt, formed the Triple Alliance against France and won passage of the Act of Union that created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 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. The doorbell is inscribed with "PUSH" although is rarely used in practice. Large, shiny, and black and bearing 10 in large brass numbers, the door is most likely one of the most photographed in the world! Although Bothmer complained about "the ruinous Condition of the Premises",[32] he lived there until his death in 1732. Premiership: The Development, Nature and Power of the Office of the British Prime Minister, Imprint Academic. The agreement in principle reached by the UK and EU regarding the Windsor Framework. [127][128] (See The Pillared Drawing Room c1927). 1 star. [88] Further extensive repairs and remodelling, commissioned by Margaret Thatcher, were completed in the 1980s under the direction of Erith's associate, Quinlan Terry. As noted above, you cannot walk on Downing Street as a member of the general public. [38], The rebuilding took three years. Lister served as acting chief of staff, but was replaced by Dan Rosenfield, who officially assumed the role in January 2021. An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasnt looked back since! [14] The cul-de-sac had several distinguished residents: George Granville, 1st Baron Lansdowne from 1692 to 1696 and the Earl of Grantham from 1699 to 1703. Hendrick Danckerts' painting "The Palace of Whitehall" (shown at the beginning of this article) usually hangs in the ante-room. Scratches on the right arm were caused by their pistols rubbing up against the leather. When Margaret Thatcher arrived in 1979 she insisted that the artwork had to be British and that it celebrate "British achievers". There have been a few exceptions. The building itself is made up of over 100 hundred rooms only part of which is actually residential. This post covers tours of 10 Downing Street. Should you want to visit this historic street to get a glimpse of the iconic black door of No. With a keen interest in History and a BA degree to match Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. [102], Couse also added a bow front to the small cottageformerly Mr Chicken's houseincorporated into Number 10 in Walpole's time. [61][62] (See Numbers 10, 11, and 12 Downing Street First Floor Plan[63] and Ground Floor Plan. Los Angeles [105] (See The Main Stairway c1930 General view showing portraits of the prime ministers[107] and Detail of the Wrought Iron Balustrade[108])[109][110] (See also Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. They said sure no problem and booked my appointment. This structure can be seen today as the rear section of Number 10. 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. original source. Most were actually built rather cheaply and were not of good quality still the case when Winston Churchill resided at Number 10 and he is quoted as saying his house was shaky and lightly built by the profiteering contractor whose name that bear.. Painted off-white with large floor to ceiling windows along one of the long walls, the room is light and airy. The State Dining Room contains a mahogany sideboard by Adam. In 1985, Margaret Thatcher said Number 10 had become "one of the most precious jewels in the national heritage". [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. [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. [154], Number 10 is filled with fine paintings, sculptures, busts and furniture. Everything in between is offices, conference rooms, reception halls, sitting rooms, dining rooms, etc. The double doors behind the table lead to the State Dining Room. See below for some tips on how to get the best view of the street and door. Lord North, who conducted the war against the American Revolution, lived there happily with his family from 1767 to 1782. A few prime ministers, such as Tony Blair, occasionally worked at the Cabinet Room table. 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. Open now : 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM. The same restrictions applied when No 10 staff gathered for a "bring your own booze" event in the Downing Street garden. The leaders reflected on the current state of Russia's. SW1A 2AS. 10 Downing Street is located in Downing Street, City of Westminster, London. Also,Wednesdays between 11 and 11:30 a.m. are good since the PM leaves at this time to head to Parliament. The office helps the Prime Minister to establish and deliver the governments overall strategy and policy priorities, and to communicate the governments policies to Parliament, the public and international audiences. Tubs of flowers line the steps from the terrace; around the walls are rose beds with flowering and evergreen shrubs. Start your review of No 10 Downing Street. 6M Followers. He connected the Downing Street houses with a corridor. [71] During World War II, Churchill was photographed many times emerging confidently from Number 10 holding up two fingers in the sign for "Victory". Originally, the door was made of Georgian black oak; it is today made of blast-proof steel and takes a reported eight men to lift it. A committee found that the money spent so far was insufficient. [162], That same year, the Leisure Circle published Christopher Jones' book No. Rocketreach finds email, phone & social media for 450M+ professionals. Amsterdam 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. This was the pattern until the beginning of the 20th century. Number 10 represents an apartment building that is over 300 years old and has 100 rooms. This video below made for the 2012 Olympics, gives you a good look into the public rooms inside 10 Downing Street. [157] These redecorations may reflect both individual taste as well as make a political statement. Find some more ideas, read our post onwhat to see in Royal London. Since 1735, it has been home to the UK's prime ministers. [117][118][119][120], Although Kent intended the First Lord to use this space as his study, it has rarely served that purpose; it has almost always been the Cabinet Room. My head has no protection other than this porchway. The highest ranking civil servant position is the principal private secretary to the prime minister, currently[update] Elizabeth Perelman. A private residence for the prime minister's use occupies the third floor and there is a kitchen in the basement. 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. When building these houses, Downing was assisted by master architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed the buildings. This arrangement began to change in 1877 when Benjamin Disraeli took up residency. (See Kent's Treasury and No. The interior wood in the Cabinet Room's double columns was like sawdust. 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. . In 1787 Number 5 became "Number 10". However, a number of challenging areas remain . He originally intended that the street should be full of fine townhouses designed specifically for persons of good quality to inhabit in. The garden is dominated by a half-acre (0.2 ha) open lawn which wraps around Numbers 10 and 11 in an L-shape. Click to get Helen Cook's email: h****[email protected] Role: Head of Prime Minister's Points of Light UK @ 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom. Winston Churchill is represented in two photographs. This was a formidable undertaking: the three buildings contained over 200 rooms spread out over five floors. 7 reviews. 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. More extensive changes occur when a new Prime Minister takes office and redecorates. Kent's door was modest, belying the spacious elegance beyond. 6 Lord Street Lakes Business Park Botany, NSW 2019, Australia. [56] In 1783 the Duke of Portland moved out because it was once again in need of repair. It is often used as the backdrop for television interviews and is in regular use as a meeting room for Downing Street staff. 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]. Rebuilt, expanded, and renovated many times since, it was originally one of several buildings that made up the "Cockpit Lodgings", so-called because they were attached to an octagonal structure used for cock-fighting. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. In 1974, it was suggested that permanent barriers should be erected to prevent the public from walking along the street. You have rejected additional cookies. The remaining interior space was converted into a courtyard. [122], Number 10 has three inter-linked state drawing rooms: the Pillared Drawing Room, the Terracotta Drawing Room and the White Drawing Room. We covered all issues in some detail, including the most difficult ones. Tweets. [124], A Persian carpet covers almost the entire floor. However, the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Wilson, overturned the idea. You can also try our GPS-enabled anytime audio tourwhich includes a stop at Downing Street. He had the Government Art Collection loan pieces. From blossom honey to ethical coffee, a number of successful Welsh businesses came to showcase their fantastic produce. Begun in 1825 and completed in 1826 at a cost of 2,000, the result is a spacious room with oak panelling and reeded mouldings. Miami [77][81] Macmillan lived in Admiralty House during the reconstruction. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 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. 10 from the Cabinet Office, was passed through with such frequency that its meaning was lost. The staircase, however, was rebuilt and simplified. In the summer of 1993 windows were rebuilt and in 1995 computer cables installed. [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. 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. [43], The same document confirmed that Number 10 Downing Street was: "meant to be annexed & united to the Office of his Majesty's Treasury & to be & to remain for the Use & Habitation of the first Commissioner of his Majesty's Treasury for the time being". An advertisement in 1720 described it as "a pretty open Place, especially at the upper end, where are four or five very large and well-built Houses, fit for Persons of Honour and Quality; each House having a pleasant Prospect into St James's Park, with a Tarras Walk". Black and white engravings and photographs of all the past prime ministers decorate the wall. [60], Nevertheless, for 70 years following Pitt's death in 1806, Number 10 was rarely used as the First Lord's residence. Blick, Andrew and Jones, George (2010). His architect's letter to the Treasury stated: "we have caused the House in Downing Street belonging to the Treasury to be surveyed, & find the Walls of the old part of the said House next the street to be much decayed, the Floors & Chimneys much sunk from the level". 10 Political Office (party political liaison and constituency affairs). Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. About half belong to the Government Art Collection. 10. [70] This picture, too, became famous especially in India. On 23 September 1735, the London Daily Post announced that: "Yesterday the Right Hon. In the foreword, Thatcher described her feelings for Number 10: "How much I wish that the public could share with me the feeling of Britain's historic greatness which pervades every nook and cranny of this complicated and meandering old building All Prime Ministers are intensely aware that, as tenants and stewards of No. [137][138][139] (See Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. Their possession of the house, albeit temporary, was a perquisite they could bestow as a political reward. 10, Downing Street, entrance hall and drawing room", "Apollo 11 mission 50 years on: The Cambridge scientist who helped put man on the moon", "Story behind the Terracotta Room at Downing Street", "YouTube Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. That has changed, and now security is very tight, as one would expect for the home of a country's head of government. Nassau, who Anglicised his name to "Overkirk", lived there until his death in 1708. 10, Downing Street: Official Dining Room, Plate 131: No. The IRA mortar attack in February 1991 led to extensive work being done to repair the damage (mostly to the garden and exterior walls) and to improve security. Although large, they were put up quickly and cheaply on soft soil with shallow foundations. [69], Despite these exceptions, Number 10 has been known as the prime minister's official home for over one hundred years. Mar 19, 2020 We are leading a national effort to fight #coronavirus in the UK and taking the necessary steps based on the best scientific advice. Balfour revived the custom that Number 10 is the First Lord and Prime Minister's official residence. 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. Culture: Bent, 286] Claimed. 10 Downing Street is Government . When you spoke to me some time ago upon the subject of the House in Downing Street, I was under the impression, as you were yourself, that the house was the King's & that he might dispose of it in any manner he might think proper. By the 1800s the houses had nearly all been taken over by the government. The House stands in fact upon the same footing as the Houses of the Admiralty, which could not be assigned to any Person not belonging to that office. "These were useful exchanges. In 1924 when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald took office, he did not own nor have the means to buy an extensive art collection. [3] Walpole accepted on the condition that the gift was to the office of First Lord of the Treasury. The Morning Herald fumed about the expense: "500pounds p.a. Jones, see back cover picture credited to Robert Hill @ BBC. in the No 10 press office area to say goodbye to a special adviser . He complained openly during and after the project that the government had altered his design to save money. 10, Downing Street, circa 1754. [19][20], From that time, the "House at the Back" was usually occupied by members of the royal family or the government. One theory is that this is in fact a capital 'O' as found in the Roman's Trajan alphabet that was used by the Ministry of Works at the time. Originally estimated at 8,000, the final cost probably exceeded 20,000. Rome The small, six-panelled door, originally made of black oak, is surrounded by cream-coloured casing and adorned with a semicircular fanlight window. Downing Street apologised to Buckingham Palace after details emerged of boozy drinks parties, including one for outgoing communications director James Slack. ", "QI: Quite interesting facts about 10 Downing Street", Plate 126: No. View Company Not the person you were looking for? Plans of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street (published 1931): This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 14:14. [155] (See works from the Government Art Collection currently on display at Number 10[156]), About a dozen paintings are changed annually. In 2010, the Camerons completely modernised the 50-year-old private kitchen in Number 11. 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". He had the Government Art Collection loan pieces. $88. Despite the added measure, on 7 February 1991, the Provisional IRA used a van they parked in Whitehall to launch a mortar shell at Number 10. The table is surrounded by carved, solid mahogany chairs that also date from the Gladstone era. [131], The Terracotta Room is the middle of the three drawing rooms. [126], Sparsely furnished with a few chairs and sofas around the walls, the Pillared Room is usually used to receive guests before they go into the State Dining Room. [121] The only picture in the room is a copy of a portrait of Robert Walpole by Jean-Baptiste van Loo hanging over the fireplace. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street Published 14 January 2023 The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy today. "[57] (See Plan of the Design for Number 10 c1781. The original door can be seen by the public it is on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. Public Enquiries: Online Contact Form. 2371. The main section had no visible supports. (1) To get a quick photo-op of 10 Downing Street, you can take the #11 bus, and sit on the top deck of the doubledecker. Three brass chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. A similar clock by Samuel Whichcote of London stands in the Cabinet anteroom. [115] The resulting small space, framed by the pillars, serves as an anteroom to the larger area. If you are not a member of the media, please use the public correspondence contact form. [170] Since Number 10 is formally part of the Cabinet Office, it reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary, who is currently[update] Simon Case. 137 reviews #20 of 454 Restaurants in Bhopal - Indian Bar International. Downing's portrait hangs in the entrance hall of Number 10. [105][106] At the bottom of the staircase are group photographs of Prime Ministers with their Cabinet ministers and representatives to imperial conferences. Couse's elegant, understated doorstark black, framed in cream white with a bold white "10" clearly visiblewas the perfect backdrop to record such events. John Major announced his 1997 resignation as leader of the Conservative Party in the garden. 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. Earlier, the government had taken over the other Downing Street houses: the Colonial Office occupied Number 14 in 1798; the Foreign Office was at Number 16 and the houses on either side; the West India Department was in Number 18; and the Tithe Commissioners in Number 20. [97][98][99], After the IRA mortar attack in 1991, the original black oak door was replaced by a blast-proof steel one. (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. The role of Downing Street Permanent Secretary was revived, with Samantha Jones holding the position on an interim basis.[173]. Prone to sinking because it was built on soft soil and a shallow foundation, floors buckled and walls and chimneys cracked. 9 Downing Street to be converted for the new set-up, No. D B City mall, 3rd floor Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal 462004 India +91 81096 43000 + Add website. The Ionic motif is also found in the door surrounds and panelling. The previous year, Knevett had moved into a house next door, approximately where Number 10 is today. The original door was put on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. Pt 3: The Dining Room)[140] Once used when policemen sat on watch outside in the street, it has an unusual "hood" designed to protect them from the wind and cold and a drawer underneath where hot coals were placed to provide warmth. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme. There is a private residence on the third floor and a private kitchen in the basement. [4], 10 Downing Street is Government property. . Official page for the office of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, based at 10 Downing Street. Downing, a notorious spy for Oliver Cromwell and later Charles II, invested in property and acquired considerable wealth. 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. Major moved to Admiralty House while repairs were being completed. [101] Number 10 Downing Street has a lift. Number 10 Downing Street is one of the most famous addresses in the world. 604.536.3353 No. [14], Downing did not live in Downing Street. [47][48][49][50][51][note 1], Another reason for its unpopularity was that Number 10 was a hazardous place in which to live. Charleston 2) What is the email address of the Downing Street Press Office? It presently houses the UK Cabinet Room in which Cabinet meetings in the UK take place, chaired by the current Prime Minister, Sunak. The No. The brass letterbox still bears the legend "First Lord of the Treasury". Until the late 19th century, Prime Ministers were required to furnish Number 10 at their own expense with furniture, tableware, china, linens, curtains and decorations. By the turn of the 20th century, photography and the penny press had linked Number 10 in the public mind with the premiership. One of the largest rooms was a study measuring forty feet by twenty with enormous windows overlooking St James's Park. 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. Of the 31 First Lords from 1735 to 1902, only 16 (including Walpole) lived in Number 10. [39] The cost of conversion is unknown. The work of a slave of the holy place, Maqsud of Kashan in the year 926" (the Islamic year corresponding to 1520). He left as soon as it was finished. Tony Blair entertained the England Rugby Union team in the Pillared Room after they won the World Cup in 2003. During Thatcher's premiership, terrorist threats led to the implementation of a second level of security.
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