This became the subject of public controversy, and an Electoral Commission inquiry took place into the financing of the refurbishment. Steel was hidden inside the columns in the Pillared Drawing Room to support the floor above. ; 9 Downing Street is the location of the Downing Street Press Briefing Room.It formerly held the offices for previous ministerial departments which have since been dissolved or . After reconstruction had begun, miners dug down into the foundations and found that the huge wooden beams supporting the house had decayed. [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. [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. Within a few years, dry rot was discovered, especially in the main rooms due to inadequate waterproofing and a broken water pipe. 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. . Soane was the guest of honour when the dining room was first used on 4 April 1826. Here are some tips on how to get a good glimpse of the famous black door (and perhaps famous people as well). Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in October 2022. Tubs of flowers line the steps from the terrace; around the walls are rose beds with flowering and evergreen shrubs. 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). [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. Also, take a look at the virtual tour of 10 Downing Street on the UK Government's website. The result was a spacious mansion, lying parallel to Whitehall Palace with a view of St James Park from its garden. If you are a journalist with a press enquiry or interview request, please email our press office. This video below made for the 2012 Olympics, gives you a good look into the public rooms inside 10 Downing Street. To celebrate, Thatcher hosted a grand dinner in the State Dining Room for her living predecessors: Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and James Callaghan. Measuring 42 by 26 feet (12.8 by 7.9m), it is the largest room in Number 10. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. 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. These included: the garden floor, the door and entrance foyer, the stairway, the hallway to the Cabinet Room, the Cabinet Room, the garden and terrace, the Small and Large State Rooms and the three reception rooms. To reach 10 Downing Street by tube, it's best to reach it by either the Westminster or Charing Cross Station. 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. In 1985, Margaret Thatcher said Number 10 had become "one of the most precious jewels in the national heritage". We stopped by while listening to our free Rick Steves' audio tour of Westminster on our iPods. [92], Number 10's door is the product of the renovations Charles Townshend ordered in 1766; it was probably not completed until 1772. [69], Despite these exceptions, Number 10 has been known as the prime minister's official home for over one hundred years. Behind its. So much has this extraordinary edifice cost the country For one moiety of the sum a much better dwelling might have been purchased! [72], The symbol of British government, Number 10 became a gathering place for protesters. As a precaution, the black oak door that had stood at the entrance of Number 10 since 1735 was replaced. Behind its black door have been taken the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years. Kent joined the larger houses by building a two-storey structure between them, consisting of one long room on the ground floor and several above. [115] The resulting small space, framed by the pillars, serves as an anteroom to the larger area. Hendrick Danckerts' painting "The Palace of Whitehall" (shown at the beginning of this article) usually hangs in the ante-room. Then in 1963 the Cabinet Office (including the Prime Minister's Office) and later the Civil Service (with the Prime minister as Minister for the Civil Service) moved into the renovated Kent Treasury Building. That the First Lord of the Treasury occupies it if he thinks proper. "My Lord's Study"[41] (as Kent labelled it in his drawings) would later become the Cabinet Room where Prime Ministers meet with the Cabinet ministers. . 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. [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. Walpole would live there as the incumbent First Lord, but would vacate it for the next one. The Press Secretary works within the Prime Minister's Office and the Downing Street Press Office.. History. Various political advisers have in the past acted in a press . Pictures of prime ministers with distinguished guests at the door became commonplace. [15][16] In 1675 he retired to Cambridge, where he died in 1684, a few months after building was completed. As head of the Great Treasury Commission of 16671672, Albemarle transformed accounting methods and allowed the Crown greater control over expenses. [134], The room is usually furnished with a table surrounded by 20 reproduction Adam style chairs originally made for the British Embassy in Rio de Janeiro. "[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. 2371. 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. See below for some tips on how to get the best view of the street and door. He then surmounted the third storey of the house at the back with a pediment. The number of people allowed in the upper floors was limited for fear the bearing walls would collapse. To preserve the 'traditional' look of recent times, the newly cleaned yellow bricks were painted black to resemble their well-known appearance. Prime Minister's Office. The office helps the Prime Minister to establish and deliver the government's overall strategy and policy priorities, and to communicate the government's policies to Parliament . Most lent it to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, others to lesser officials or to friends and relatives. Princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of King James I, lived there from 1604 until 1613 when she married Frederick V, Elector Palatine and moved to Heidelberg. 9 Downing Street to be converted for the new set-up, No. [71] During World War II, Churchill was photographed many times emerging confidently from Number 10 holding up two fingers in the sign for "Victory". FREE TOURS BY FOOT IS THE ORIGINAL PAY-WHAT-YOU-LIKE WALKING TOUR. The Data Protection Officer provides independent advice and monitoring of Cabinet Office's use of personal information. They said sure no problem and booked my appointment. Due to bomb damage in 1940, the Treasury relocated to the Government Offices Great George Street. Situated in Downing Street in the City of Westminster, London, Number 10 is over 300 years old and contains approximately 100 rooms. 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. [80] In the end, the cost was close to 3,000,000 and took almost three years due in large part to 14 labour strikes. 5 . 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. 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. In 1924 when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald took office, he did not own nor have the means to buy an extensive art collection. You have rejected additional cookies. the British government; refers to location of Prime Minister's residence [Br. 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. [136] Celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson have cooked for Prime Ministers' guests using the small kitchen next door. In 1787 Number 5 became "Number 10". [46], One reason many First Lords chose not to live in Number 10 was that most owned London town houses superior in size and quality. Robert Taylor, the architect who executed this concept, was knighted on its completion. Prague Probably not completed until 1796,[114] this alteration was achieved by removing the east wall and rebuilding it several feet inside the adjoining secretaries' room. Start your review of No 10 Downing Street. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Large, shiny, and black and bearing 10 in large brass numbers, the door is most likely one of the most photographed in the world! Please note, if you have a media query concerning the Prime Minister or media access to. Since the door had no keyhole, the inside officer depended upon the lone outside officer. The front door to Number 10 is most likely the most famous feature of the building. [60], Nevertheless, for 70 years following Pitt's death in 1806, Number 10 was rarely used as the First Lord's residence. A few prime ministers, such as Tony Blair, occasionally worked at the Cabinet Room table. A similar clock by Samuel Whichcote of London stands in the Cabinet anteroom. When Margaret Thatcher came to power it was the Blue Room; she had it re-decorated and renamed the Green Room. In a piece of "blatant political corruption", he allowed his son-in-law. Couse's elegant, understated doorstark black, framed in cream white with a bold white "10" clearly visiblewas the perfect backdrop to record such events. Lisbon [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. The original door can be seen by the public it is on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. Of the 31 First Lords from 1735 to 1902, only 16 (including Walpole) lived in Number 10. Speaking outside Downing Street, he said he had secured an "incredible mandate" in the 2019 general election, winning "the biggest Conservative majority since 1987". The No. John Logie Baird gave Ramsay MacDonald a demonstration of his invention, the television, in this room. It was an easy transition: he was already First Lord of the Treasury and he was already living in Number 10. 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". [47][48][49][50][51][note 1], Another reason for its unpopularity was that Number 10 was a hazardous place in which to live. 10. Downing Street apologised to Buckingham Palace after details emerged of boozy drinks parties, including one for outgoing communications director James Slack. On these occasions, the table is set with the Silver Trust Silver set given to Downing Street in the 1990s. Originally three houses, Number 10 was offered to Robert Walpole by King George II in 1732. [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. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. 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]. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 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. 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. [89], The work done by Erith and Terry in the 1960s and 1980s represent the most extensive remodelling of Number 10 in recent times. 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. 100 PBX and CRM users. Find a Business or Professional Service Provider in Edmonton, White Pages Canada . If you are emailing about an issue relating to the responsibilities of another Government Department or public authority then you should contact them directly.Due to the exceptionally high volumes of emails being received at this time, the Prime Ministers Office is only able to deal with those that relate directly to the Prime Minister. There have been a few exceptions. He had the Government Art Collection loan pieces. Plans of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street (published 1931): This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 14:14. The Crown authorised extensive rebuilding which included adding a storey, thus giving it three main floors, an attic and basement. [17], The "House at the Back", the largest of the three houses which were combined to make Number 10, was a mansion built in about 1530 next to Whitehall Palace. Upon Inquiry, however, it appeared that the House was attached to the Treasury as a Part of the Office. Kent's door was modest, belying the spacious elegance beyond. Executed in the Kentian style, the small Ionic pilasters in the over-mantel are miniature duplicates of the large Ionic pillars in the room. If you are not a member of the media, please use the public correspondence contact form. To them, Number 10 was unimpressive. Philadelphia [56] This proved to be a gross underestimate; the final bill was over 11,000. [66] To reassure the people that his government was functioning normally, he insisted on being seen entering and leaving Number 10 occasionally, and indeed, continued to use it for meetings and dinners despite being urged not to. Three brass chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. In 1997, the building was remodelled to provide extra space for the prime minister's greatly increased staff. 10 Downing Street is the official residence and the office of the British Prime Minister. 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. Suffragettes posed in front of the door when they petitioned H. H. Asquith for women's rights in 1913, a picture that became famous and was circulated around the world. SW1A 2AS. In the summer of 1993 windows were rebuilt and in 1995 computer cables installed. 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. . However, the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Wilson, overturned the idea. He originally intended that the street should be full of fine townhouses designed specifically for persons of good quality to inhabit in. [162], That same year, the Leisure Circle published Christopher Jones' book No. I believe Mr. Charles Townshend occupied it, but I know Mr. Dowdeswell did, & it is remarkable that he is, I believe, the only instance of a Chancellor of the Exchequer upon Record who was not in the Cabinet. (See Kent's Treasury and No. You can take bus#11 or ahop-on, hop-off tour bus, both of which pass by frequently. 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. Corporation. You can also reach it by boat with City Cruises from the Westminster City Pier which is very nearby. He has now seen two PMs come and go. 10 Downing Street is located in the City of Westminster, just a short walk away from the Palace of Westminster and Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Today, there is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I over the fireplace; during the Thatcher, Major and Blair Ministries, a portrait of William Pitt by Romney was hung there. As noted above, you cannot walk on Downing Street as a member of the general public. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street Published 14 January 2023 The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy today. Press office: responsible for relations with the media, Research and information unit: provides factual information to No. "The whole project has been a frightful waste of money because it just has not been done properly. [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). [148])[149], The terrace and garden were constructed in 1736 shortly after Walpole moved into Number 10. 6M Followers. Jones, p. 52. [4], 10 Downing Street is Government property. Prime ministers come and go, but one resident of 10 Downing Street has no plans to leave any time soon. 604.536.3353 No. 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. Despite its size and convenient location near to Parliament, few early prime ministers lived at 10 Downing Street. [38], The rebuilding took three years. "Under (Prime Minister) Blair . This was a formidable undertaking: the three buildings contained over 200 rooms spread out over five floors. 7 reviews. 3 stars. The brass letterbox still bears the legend "First Lord of the Treasury". It became unsafe and frequently required repairs. Dubai You are mistaken in supposing that Mr. Vansittart is the only Chancellor of the Exchequer who, without being first Lord of the Treasury, occupied it. [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. It was here that Edward Heath kept his grand piano. [133], When Frederick Robinson (later Lord Goderich), became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1823, he decided to leave a personal legacy to the nation. 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. )[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. Although its hard to get a good look at the street due to security, Downing Street still remains as one of the most visited sites in our capital city. [164] It is staffed by a mix of career civil servants and special advisers. The post of First Lord of the Treasury has, for much of the 18th and 19th centuries and invariably since 1905, been held by the prime minister.