10, Downing Street: elevation and general view, "PM's aide Cummings calls for civil service changes", "One big appointment coming today - Dominic Cummings expected to be senior advisor to the new PM - Vote Leave chief moving into govt - huge brain and experienced in govt, and will be applauded by Brexiteers - highly controversial too", "Johnson adviser's housing role highlights lack of transparency", "Sir Edward Lister resigns as Homes England Chair", "Boris Johnson appoints new chief of staff after Cummings exit", "Boris Johnson picks No 10 official to be head of UK civil service". "I am heart broken by the result," he said. [136] Celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson have cooked for Prime Ministers' guests using the small kitchen next door. . Behind its black door have been taken the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years. The brass letterbox still bears the legend "First Lord of the Treasury". To build it, Soane removed the chimney from the kitchen to put a door in the room. Measuring 37 feet (11m) long by 28 feet (8.5m) wide, it takes its name from the twin Ionic pilasters with straight pediments at one end. [69], Despite these exceptions, Number 10 has been known as the prime minister's official home for over one hundred years. Many rooms and sections of the new building were reconstructed exactly as they were in the old Number 10. There have been barriers erected along both sides of Downing Street since the 1920s. On these occasions, the table is set with the Silver Trust Silver set given to Downing Street in the 1990s. 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. Since the door had no keyhole, the inside officer depended upon the lone outside officer. [102], Couse also added a bow front to the small cottageformerly Mr Chicken's houseincorporated into Number 10 in Walpole's time. 10 Downing Street Bhopal. Stanley Baldwin used the Cabinet Room as his office. Well send you a link to a feedback form. San Francisco When Margaret Thatcher arrived in 1979 she insisted that the artwork had to be British and that it celebrate "British achievers". . the locked door, symbolically and physically dividing No. Boston I had called them asking if they could add a toner to my hair over the phone . The Data Protection Officer provides independent advice and monitoring of Cabinet Office's use of personal information. 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. [12], Downing employed Christopher Wren to design the houses. Pt4: The Staircase[111]), In Kent's design for the enlarged Number 10, the Cabinet Room was a simple rectangular space with enormous windows. You can take bus#11 or ahop-on, hop-off tour bus, both of which pass by frequently. At considerable expense, Buckingham rebuilt the house. $2 / month. Dubai Edward Heath borrowed French paintings from the National Gallery and was loaned two Renoirs from a private collector. Skirting boards, doors, sills and other woodwork were riddled and weakened with disease. 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. Number 10 represents an apartment building that is over 300 years old and has 100 rooms. As part of the renovations begun in 1783, it was extended, giving the space its modern appearance. [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. 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. [77], The architect Raymond Erith carried out the design for this painstaking work[78] and the contractor that undertook it was John Mowlem & Co.[79]The Times reported initially that the cost for the project would be 400,000. It is now painted terracotta. [94] (See The Entrance Door c1930: As seen from the outside)[95][96] The door cannot be opened from the outside; there is always someone inside to unlock the door. Corporation. I am bitterly disappointed with what has happened. Greater transparency across government is at the heart of our commitment to let you hold politicians and public bodies to account. He has now seen two PMs come and go. 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. We include information such as how to get there, the best times to go, as well as some virtual tours of the famous residence. original source. 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. It exploded in the back garden, while Prime Minister John Major was holding a Cabinet meeting. A leaked message from Matt Hancock's aide-turned-lover Gina Coladangelo has sparked questions over whether there was a Department of Health celebration at the height of Covid lockdown.. In 1985, Margaret Thatcher said Number 10 had become "one of the most precious jewels in the national heritage". Costly to maintain, neglected, and run-down, Number 10 was scheduled to be demolished several times, but the property survived and became linked with many statesmen and events in British history. Public Enquiries: Online Contact Form. 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. The State Dining Room contains a mahogany sideboard by Adam. The main section had no visible supports. The fence rises above the step into a double-swirled archway, supporting an iron gas lamp surmounted by a crown. In addition to the large carpet previously described, the Pillared State Drawing Room also contains a marble-topped table by Kent. 1 star. 10 Downing Street, they have in their charge one of the most precious jewels in the nation's heritage". International agreements have been signed in this room. [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. 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. The original door was put on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. [157] These redecorations may reflect both individual taste as well as make a political statement. The No. 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. Press Briefing Afternoon 11 June 2012 . Today, the closest visitors can get is standing on the edge of the street to peer through the permanent black metal gates. Since 1735, it has been home to the UK's prime ministers. Within a few years, dry rot was discovered, especially in the main rooms due to inadequate waterproofing and a broken water pipe. 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. Review. 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. [82], The new foundation was made of steel-reinforced concrete with pilings sunk 6 to 18 feet (1.8 to 5.5m). Steel was hidden inside the columns in the Pillared Drawing Room to support the floor above. [133], The White State Drawing room was, until the 1940s, used by Prime Ministers and their partners for their private use. Blick, Andrew and Jones, George (2010). Lister served as acting chief of staff, but was replaced by Dan Rosenfield, who officially assumed the role in January 2021. 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. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 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. 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. Also,Wednesdays between 11 and 11:30 a.m. are good since the PM leaves at this time to head to Parliament. [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. [133], When Frederick Robinson (later Lord Goderich), became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1823, he decided to leave a personal legacy to the nation. $88. )[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. 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. Miami It became unsafe and frequently required repairs. [153] It was also the location of the first press conference announcing the Coalition Government between David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats. Number 10 switchboard. 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. The result was a spacious mansion, lying parallel to Whitehall Palace with a view of St James Park from its garden. "Johnson promises No 10 shake-up after Gray finds failures", "No10 team bolstered to deliver the people's priorities", "No 10 admits using false names on letters to the public", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=10_Downing_Street&oldid=1142811850, Downing Street Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Downing Street Director of Legislative Affairs. Plans of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street (published 1931): This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 14:14. Jones, p. 52. Couse's elegant, understated doorstark black, framed in cream white with a bold white "10" clearly visiblewas the perfect backdrop to record such events. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Pictures of prime ministers with distinguished guests at the door became commonplace. Start your review of No 10 Downing Street. 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. Painted in white, between the top and middle sets of panels, is the number "10". "[45], Walpole lived in Number 10 until 1742. Role. The Duke of Wellington, for example, grudgingly lived there for eighteen months between 1828 and 1830 because his own home, Apsley House, was undergoing extensive renovations. [137][138][139] (See Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. Carved into the plasterwork above the door leading to the Pillared Room is a tribute to Margaret Thatcher: a straw-carrying 'thatcher'. The building hosts offices, conference, dining, and sitting rooms. This post covers tours of 10 Downing Street. Kent's door was modest, belying the spacious elegance beyond. "Under (Prime Minister) Blair . He may be the most beloved resident of 10 Downing Street in the modern era and his activities are watched closely by the press and the adoring public. Media. Various political advisers have in the past acted in a press . Click to get Helen Cook's email: h****k@cantab.net Role: Head of Prime Minister's Points of Light UK @ 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom. Speaking outside Downing Street, he said he had secured an "incredible mandate" in the 2019 general election, winning "the biggest Conservative majority since 1987". Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. As head of the Great Treasury Commission of 16671672, Albemarle transformed accounting methods and allowed the Crown greater control over expenses. Phone number (604) 536-3353. [131], The Terracotta Room is the middle of the three drawing rooms. Accessed through the first floor, its vaulted, arched ceiling rises up through the next so that it actually occupies two floors. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. [26], However, there have been numerous times when prime ministers have unofficially lived elsewhere out of necessity or preference. 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. The Crown authorised extensive rebuilding which included adding a storey, thus giving it three main floors, an attic and basement. In effect the Treasury building became an annex of Ten Downing Street and its staff worked directly for Walpole on treasury, patronage and other public business. If you are a journalist with a press enquiry or interview request, please email our press office. [19][20], From that time, the "House at the Back" was usually occupied by members of the royal family or the government. Of the 31 First Lords from 1735 to 1902, only 16 (including Walpole) lived in Number 10. Premiership: The Development, Nature and Power of the Office of the British Prime Minister, Imprint Academic. Overall rating. You have accepted additional cookies. The introduction of films and television would strengthen this association. Tweets. (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. Kent's staircase is the first architectural feature visitors see as they enter Number 10. Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. [125], With its flat unadorned ceiling, simple mouldings and deep window seats, the Small Dining Room is intimate and comfortable. [162], That same year, the Leisure Circle published Christopher Jones' book No. 3) What is the phone number of the Downing Street Press Office? Originally estimated at 8,000, the final cost probably exceeded 20,000. 10, Downing Street: detail of iron balustrading to main staircase, "YouTube Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. Upon Inquiry, however, it appeared that the House was attached to the Treasury as a Part of the Office. [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 table is surrounded by carved, solid mahogany chairs that also date from the Gladstone era. 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". [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. 10, Downing Street: breakfast room and smaller drawing room, Plate 117: No. Walpole would live there as the incumbent First Lord, but would vacate it for the next one. 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. From blossom honey to ethical coffee, a number of successful Welsh businesses came to showcase their fantastic produce. [100], Beyond the door, Couse installed black and white marble tiles in the entrance hall that are still in use. In a piece of "blatant political corruption", he allowed his son-in-law. Claimed. His secretary, George Downing, who built Downing Street, is thought to have created these changes. [159][note 2] 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. It is often used as the backdrop for television interviews and is in regular use as a meeting room for Downing Street staff. 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). Charleston "[57] (See Plan of the Design for Number 10 c1781. New Orleans [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. Robert Taylor, the architect who executed this concept, was knighted on its completion. [88] Further extensive repairs and remodelling, commissioned by Margaret Thatcher, were completed in the 1980s under the direction of Erith's associate, Quinlan Terry. 10 Downing Street, The Story of a House. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. A similar clock by Samuel Whichcote of London stands in the Cabinet anteroom. He connected the Downing Street houses with a corridor. [89], The work done by Erith and Terry in the 1960s and 1980s represent the most extensive remodelling of Number 10 in recent times. 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.
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