[37] This small house and the mansion at the back were then incorporated into Number 10. Since the door had no keyhole, the inside officer depended upon the lone outside officer. Filter by rating. 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. The building also hosts foreign dignitaries, national leaders, and government ministers. 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. [129][104][130] After the Apollo 11 lunar landing in July 1969, Harold Wilson hosted a reception in the room for astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, in addition to Cambridge scientist Francis Thomas Bacon, inventor of the alkaline fuel cell used to generate power for space capsules. In 1924 when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald took office, he did not own nor have the means to buy an extensive art collection. 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. [175], However, the Institute for Government has written that the Cabinet Office (of which the Prime Minister's Office is a component) "is a long way from becoming a fully fledged premier's department", primarily based on the fact that the prime minister "largely lacks the direct policy responsibilities, either in statute or by convention under the Royal Prerogative, possessed by secretaries of state, who have substantial budgets voted to them by Parliament."[176]. 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. [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. [39] The cost of conversion is unknown. "[45], Walpole lived in Number 10 until 1742. Share. T: 011-61-293-552-2700. [87][93] A black iron knocker in the shape of a lion's head is between the two middle panels; below the knocker is a brass letter box with the inscription "First Lord of the Treasury". [97][98][99], After the IRA mortar attack in 1991, the original black oak door was replaced by a blast-proof steel one. In 1997, the building was remodelled to provide extra space for the prime minister's greatly increased staff. Along with the adjoining Cabinet Office at 70 Whitehall, it is the headquarters of the Government of the United Kingdom. Many of these attractions have ticket prices attached to them for entry. 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. 9. The remaining interior space was converted into a courtyard. Save. Press office: responsible for relations with the media, Research and information unit: provides factual information to No. As noted above, you cannot walk on Downing Street as a member of the general public. He also introduced several paintings by John Constable and J. M. W. Turner, Britain's two best known 19th-century artists, and cricketing paintings by Archibald Stuart-Wortley including a portrait of one of England's most celebrated batsmen W. G. V4A 3V2 Media. [154], Number 10 is filled with fine paintings, sculptures, busts and furniture. John Logie Baird gave Ramsay MacDonald a demonstration of his invention, the television, in this room. Couse's elegant, understated doorstark black, framed in cream white with a bold white "10" clearly visiblewas the perfect backdrop to record such events. Unlimited calls to the US and Canada with additional call minutes to 20 other countries within one bundle. Lister served as acting chief of staff, but was replaced by Dan Rosenfield, who officially assumed the role in January 2021. We will be stepping up capacity of testing to 25,000 people in hospitals a day. More extensive changes occur when a new Prime Minister takes office and redecorates. In March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson refurbished the residential apartment at Number 11. The upper floors were modernised and the third floor extended over Numbers 11 and 12 to allow more living space. [75][76], In 1958, a committee under the chairmanship of the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres was appointed by Harold Macmillan to investigate the condition of the house and make recommendations. The Cabinet Office press office only deals with enquiries from the media. A copy of a 16th-century original now kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum, there is an inscription woven into it that reads: "I have no refuge in the world other than thy threshold. [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. However, it is sometimes used for other purposes that require a large open space. F: 011-61-293-552-2797. 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. A black ironwork fence with spiked newel posts runs along the front of the house and up each side of the step to the door. 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. There have been barriers erected along both sides of Downing Street since the 1920s. [70] This picture, too, became famous especially in India. George II took this opportunity to offer it to Robert Walpole, often called the first prime minister, as a gift for his services to the nation: stabilising its finances, keeping it at peace and securing the Hanoverian succession. [12], Downing employed Christopher Wren to design the houses. In 1879 a fire destroyed the upper floors of Number 12; it was renovated but only as a single-storey structure. 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. In 2010, the Camerons completely modernised the 50-year-old private kitchen in Number 11. 10, Downing Street: detail of iron balustrading to main staircase, "YouTube Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. 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. Washington DC. Speaking outside Downing Street, he said he had secured an "incredible mandate" in the 2019 general election, winning "the biggest Conservative majority since 1987". )[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. In 1782 the Board of Works reporting on "the dangerous state of the old part of the House", stated that "no time be lost in taking down said building". Over the years, the addresses changed several times. 10, Downing Street: entrance hall and drawing room, Plate 124: No. To reach 10 Downing Street by tube, it's best to reach it by either the Westminster or Charing Cross Station. 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. London. Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) February 15, 2023 Larry's enduring presence at No. 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. The Hampden family had a lease on the land that they refused to relinquish. 4 stars. On these occasions, the table is set with the Silver Trust Silver set given to Downing Street in the 1990s. Also, take a look at the virtual tour of 10 Downing Street on the UK Government's website. Berlin If he declines it, the Chancellor of the Exchequer occupies it, not as Chancellor of the Exchequer, but as second in the Commission of the Treasury. 10, Downing Street: main doorway and kitchen, "Who has the key to front door of No. If you need help figuring out which tube to take, make sure to read our posts covering the London Underground and which tube pass you should buy. The front door to Number 10 is most likely the most famous feature of the building. Phone number (604) 536-3353. See letter, dated, "Downing Street, 30 June 1742", from. When Margaret Thatcher arrived in 1979 she insisted that the artwork had to be British and that it celebrate "British achievers". Charleston preceding the Great Repair, and 11,000 the Great Repair itself! Socialising indoors with people. Prague A private residence for the prime minister's use occupies the third floor and there is a kitchen in the basement. 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 huge . The White State Drawing Room contains examples of Adam furniture. To preserve the 'traditional' look of recent times, the newly cleaned yellow bricks were painted black to resemble their well-known appearance. Walpole commissioned William Kent to convert them into one building. . 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. The Ministry of Works has insisted on economy after economy. )[64], When Lord Salisbury retired in 1902, his nephew, Arthur James Balfour, became Prime Minister. In 1766, for example, Charles Townshend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, pointed out that the house was in a dilapidated condition. Larry the cat, whose officialtitle is Chief Mouser, has been living at 10 Downing Street since February 2011. [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). We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. 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. The highest ranking civil servant position is the principal private secretary to the prime minister, currently[update] Elizabeth Perelman. [3] Walpole accepted on the condition that the gift was to the office of First Lord of the Treasury. Only a few are permanent features. 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. This was the pattern until the beginning of the 20th century. Role. Robert Taylor, the architect who executed this concept, was knighted on its completion. During Thatcher's premiership, terrorist threats led to the implementation of a second level of security. 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 . The houses deteriorated from neglect, became unsafe, and one by one were demolished. 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. Walpole would live there as the incumbent First Lord, but would vacate it for the next one. 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. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. In 1991, member of the IRA had attacked 10 Downing Street with homemade mortar shells, in hopes of killing or severely injuring Sir John Major, then-Prime Minster of the UK. Lord Frost, Chief Negotiator, said: "We have just completed our eighth round of negotiations with the EU. The staircase, however, was rebuilt and simplified. From 1834 to 1877, it was either vacant or used only for offices and meetings. Painted in white, between the top and middle sets of panels, is the number "10". It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Get Directions. Although Bothmer complained about "the ruinous Condition of the Premises",[32] he lived there until his death in 1732. [56] This proved to be a gross underestimate; the final bill was over 11,000. During the 1990s John Major converted the first floor anteroom into a small gallery of modern art, mostly British. If you are a journalist with a press enquiry or interview request, please email our press office. [46], Downing Street declined at the turn of the 19th century, becoming surrounded with run-down buildings, dark alleys, the scene of crime and prostitution. From blossom honey to ethical coffee, a number of successful Welsh businesses came to showcase their fantastic produce. 10 Downing Street, known in the UK as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury. (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. A few prime ministers, such as Tony Blair, occasionally worked at the Cabinet Room table. [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. Lisbon The agreement in principle reached by the UK and EU regarding the Windsor Framework. Adjacent to St James's Park, Number 10 is approximately 34 mile (1.2km) from Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the British Monarch, and near the Palace of Westminster, the meeting place of both Houses of Parliament. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. 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. Due to bomb damage in 1940, the Treasury relocated to the Government Offices Great George Street. 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. Winston Churchill wrote that Number 10 was "shaky and lightly built by the profiteering contractor whose name they bear". 604.536.3353 No. [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". "[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. The Green State Drawing Room contains mostly Chippendale furniture including a card table that belonged to Clive of India and a mahogany desk that is thought to have belonged to William Pitt the Younger and used by him during the Napoleonic Wars. Downing Street apologised to Buckingham Palace after details emerged of boozy drinks parties, including one for outgoing communications director James Slack. Philadelphia [31], Johann Caspar von Bothmer, Premier Minister of the Electorate of Hanover, head of the German Chancery and adviser to George I and II, took up residency in 1720. Pt4: The Staircase[111]), In Kent's design for the enlarged Number 10, the Cabinet Room was a simple rectangular space with enormous windows.
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