Is the British Prime Minister's house at 10 Downing Street, and can you just go up and knock? Yes, that is where his official abode is. This is how the outside appears. To be honest, it's not really stunning, resembling a home that many wealthy people can purchase. However, what makes this place special is the history that it has made and the events that have taken place there.
The story of this building starts in 1837 when it was first built for Sir John Soane, a famous English architect. He had no children and left the house to his friend, Benjamin d'Olyphant, who was also an architect. In 1866, Benjamin's son, also named Benjamin, decided to continue the house-building tradition and constructed another version for himself on the other side of the street. The two Benjamins were very talented architects and their work is still visible today in 10 Downing Street.
In 1929, after years of absence, the family name "Downing" returned to 10 Downing Street and since then, the house has been owned by one of them. Currently, it is inhabited by Mr. David Cameron, who is the prime minister of England. He has been living here with his family since 2005 when he replaced Tony Blair as the leader of the Conservative Party and the country.
You may wonder why there are only three stories above the front door.
The Prime Minister's official address is 10 Downing Street, while the Chancellor's official address is Number 11.. Downing Street.
| Namesake | Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet |
| Owner | UK Government |
| Length | 217 m (712 ft) |
| Postal code | SW1A |
| Construction |
|---|
Unfortunately for tourists, 10 Downing Street is not accessible. Indeed, you can't even go up to the residence, let alone along Downing Street. If you want to view the prime minister enter or depart the mansion, make sure the gates are open. They usually are, but if they're not, contact the guardroom on direct dialing 020 7219 1010.
In general, there's no way for members of the public to get close-up views of Prime Minister's Office doors or windows. Guards are stationed outside at all times, and since the position is full-time, there's no way to apply directly through the civil service. If you have a personal connection with a member of the government, such as an uncle or cousin, you may be able to get a job in the PMO. Otherwise, you'll need to make do with photos.
Downing Street has been called the world's most photographed street. The number of visitors each year is estimated to be between 5 and 8 million, making it one of London's top ten most visited sites.
The house was built in 1832 for the first prime minister, William Lamb, who served until his death in 1847. It was then purchased by the newspaper publisher Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston, who had it rebuilt in 1856-1858 in its present form.
The outside of the building is distinguished by its modest black front door and black brick facade. Number 10 Downing Street The facade of 10 Downing Street, the official house and office of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister. Matt Dunham/Associated Press
David and Samantha Cameron at their freshly renovated apartment above No. 11 Downing Street. The Blairs paid for the renovation of Number 11, which is larger than Number 10. They may be viewed in one of No10's public rooms.
Number 10 Downing Street Since being the official house of the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street has served as both a dwelling and a place of work for Britain's Prime Ministers. The current residence was built in 1824 for Sir John Soane, a renowned English architect. The basement houses the Cabinet Office, while the first floor is occupied by the Prime Minister's office.
The building is also known as "the big white house" because of its distinctive feature: a large white dome on top of it. This was originally designed to be a greenhouse but today it is used as a viewing platform for the Prime Minister. From there, he can see out over London's skyline without having to leave his office.
Downing Street is located at Number 10, and the street itself is named after Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke who owned the land before it was acquired by the government in 1713.
During World War II, the building was taken over by the government and became the office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. After the war had ended, it returned to being the residence of the Prime Minister.
The British Prime Minister lives at 10 Downing Street. From Whitehall, look through the gates to see the renowned 10 Downing Street door, which can only be opened from the inside. The general public has no access to the home or street, and tours of 10 Downing Street are not available.
However, if you'd like to see what goes on behind these doors, there are several organizations that will allow you to do so.
A visitor entering 10 Downing Street is required to wear a mask when in the lobby area, but this rule is not enforced by security personnel. However, it is recommended that you follow suit for your own protection as masks are not provided.
There is a welcome center on the first floor of No. 10 where you can get maps and information about how to navigate around London. There is also a café on site where you can get sandwiches, drinks, and snacks.
Visitors cannot bring bags or luggage into the building, so make sure to leave everything back at the entrance gate. If you need to leave something with us while you're on the tour, please inform a member of staff before entering number 10.
Any questions? Feel free to ask one of our friendly staff members during office hours (9:00-17:00) or send an email at [email protected].
The facade of 10 Downing Street, the official house and office of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister. Since at least the 11th century, when King Canute I constructed a royal palace there, the area around 10 Downing Street (today known as the City of Westminster) has been a center of British governance. The current building is the third to stand on the site; it was designed by John Nash in 1828-30 for the first Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger.
Britain's prime ministers have had a residence near London since 1667, but only one has made it his main home: Winston Churchill from 1852 until his death in 1965. Today, the house has been converted into a hotel. The back garden is called the "Downing Street Garden" because the street is named after it.
In addition to being the official residence of the Prime Minister, Number Ten is also used for other state functions and hosting of visiting leaders. It has been the venue for important speeches by prime ministers-to-be, including Anthony Eden's before he became head of government in 1957; Harold Wilson's before he became Britain's prime minister in 1964; and David Cameron's before he took over from Tony Blair in 2007.
Number Ten has been the subject of many controversies throughout its history, most notably during the Second World War when it was used as a meeting place by Hitler and Churchill.
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