10 Downing Street is arguably one of the most iconic addresses in the world, serving as the residence and office of the British Prime Minister since 1735. It is a place where some of the most crucial decisions in British history have been made. The building is not only steeped in history but also a living monument to the evolution of British political life.
And now it is gearing up to welcome a new family.
Firstly, how did Downing Street come about?
The land on which Downing Street stands has a rich history, dating back to the ancient Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman settlements of Thorney Island. Later, it housed a brewery before becoming part of UK’s King Henry VIII’s expansive Whitehall Palace. The property saw various leases and tenants, including Thomas Knyvet, an English nobleman, in the late 16th century, before George Downing, an intriguing figure, gave the street its name.
George Downing, a former preacher and Cromwell’s spymaster who later switched allegiances to serve Charles II, acquired the land in 1654. Despite initial complications with the property leases, he secured the rights by 1682.
Between 1682 and 1684, Downing commissioned Christopher Wren to design a cul-de-sac of 15 to 20 terraced houses on the site. These houses were built quickly and cheaply, a fact that would lead to structural issues later on.
How did No. 10 become the prime minister’s residence
The transformation of No. 10 into the prime minister’s residence began in 1732 when UK’s King George II presented it to Robert Walpole, often recognised as the first de facto British Prime Minister.
Walpole accepted it not as a personal gift but as an official residence for the First Lord of the Treasury, a position he held for over two decades. Walpole moved in after combining and refurbishing two houses, making it the first official use of Downing Street for the premier.
Interestingly, the house was originally numbered 5 and was renumbered to 10 in 1779. The distinctive black brickwork of No. 10 was initially yellow but turned black due to two centuries of air pollution. Today, a black colour wash maintains its historic appearance.
No. 10 is not structurally sound
Downing Street was not built to last. Constructed on boggy ground with shallow foundations, it required substantial renovations over the centuries. The first significant repair, costing £11,000, began in the 1780s.
However, the building suffered greatly during the Blitz and was in a dire state by the 1950s.
Dry rot, fire risks, and uneven floors plagued No. 10. UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan moved out in 1960 to allow for a three-year, £1 million renovation project that included strengthening the foundations and modernizing the structure.
Further modernisation efforts occurred in 2006, focusing on making the building more energy-efficient and weatherproof. Despite these efforts, former resident Gordon Brown has remarked that Downing Street needs to be “gutted from bottom to top” to truly address its issues.
How is life inside No. 10
Life inside No. 10 is both a domestic and political experience. The building comprises around 100 rooms, including the prime minister’s office, which is part of the larger Cabinet office with around 8,000 staff members. However, not all of these staff work within No. 10 itself.
Now former UK PM, Rishi Sunak, has shared glimpses of the interior through social media, including the famous yellow staircase adorned with portraits. During his tenure, Sunak and his family reportedly divided their time between Downing Street and their mansion in Kensington, valued at £6.6 million.
Downing Street also serves as a venue for numerous official functions, from meetings and receptions to formal dinners. The State Dining Room can accommodate up to 65 guests, and events often feature items from the state silver collection.
No. 10 has had many “guests”
Downing Street has seen many interesting events and residents. William Ewart Gladstone, known for his eccentric hobby of trying to reform prostitutes, would bring them back to No. 10 for discussions. The iconic black door was once painted green under British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith but reverted to black in 1916.
The house is also reputedly haunted by a “lady in pink,” a ghostly figure reportedly seen by Harold Wilson and his cleaner. Additionally, during the premiership of Lord North, the doorstep of No. 10 was often occupied by the poor, who received alms from the prime minister every Sunday.
Security has always been a concern. The famous gates to Downing Street, installed in 1989, were a response to various security threats, including the Irish Republican Army (IRA) mortar attack in 1991.
Mice have long been a problem in No. 10, leading to the tradition of keeping a “Chief Mouser.” Larry, the current Chief Mouser, has been in residence since 2011. Recruited from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Larry’s duties include greeting guests, inspecting security, and, of course, catching mice.
Technological & structural updates at Downing Street: A timeline
Over the years, Downing Street has seen numerous technological updates to keep up with modern needs. Here is a timeline of some significant upgrades:
1877: Installation of hot and cold running water.
1894: Introduction of electric lighting and the first telephones.
1902: The first motor-car arrived at Downing Street.
1937: Installation of central heating.
1963: Major renovation, including electrical and telephone systems updates.
1982: Establishment of a direct hotline to Washington and the installation of the first micro-computer.
1990s: Introduction of video conferencing technology.
1996: Launch of the first No. 10 website and mainstream internet access for staff.
2002: Creation of a dedicated video conferencing suite.
2005: Public email account for contacting the Prime Minister.
2008: Launch of No. 10’s online TV station and first tweet.
The future of Downing Street
Not all prime ministers have chosen to live at No. 10. Some preferred to stay in their own London townhouses or used No. 10 solely as an office.
In modern times, some prime ministers, like Rishi Sunak, opted to live in the more spacious flat at No. 11. The building’s complex structure and interconnected offices extend to No. 12 Downing Street, creating a labyrinthine workplace for the UK’s leadership.
As history continues to unfold, No. 10 remains at the heart of British politics. Speculation is already brewing about the potential next resident.
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is the new resident of No. 10 after his party’s resounding win on Friday. Starmer’s leadership could mark a new chapter in the fascinating life at 10 Downing Street.