10 Downing Street in London, often simply referred to as Number 10, stands as a global icon of political power. Competing with the White House for recognition as the most important political building in the modern world, this seemingly unassuming townhouse has been the official residence and workplace of British Prime Ministers since 1735. For over 275 years, behind its famed black door, pivotal decisions that have shaped not only Britain but the world have been made.
Within the walls of 10 Downing Street, the course of the 20th century was dramatically altered. Both World Wars were directed from its rooms, critical choices regarding the dismantling of the British Empire were deliberated, the development of Britain’s nuclear arsenal was strategized, and responses to numerous economic crises, from the Great Depression to modern recessions, were formulated. Furthermore, the foundations of the British welfare state were laid within this historic building.
Number 10 has been home to a remarkable lineage of political giants who have left indelible marks on history. Figures such as Sir Robert Walpole, William Pitt the Younger, Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, David Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher all resided and governed from this address, shaping eras and defining British political thought.
The significance of 10 Downing Street lies in its multifaceted role. It is simultaneously the private home of the Prime Minister, their bustling office, and a prestigious venue for hosting dignitaries and guests. From Queen Elizabeth II to US Presidents and global leaders, Number 10 has welcomed a spectrum of international figures. The Prime Minister frequently hosts numerous receptions and events, welcoming a diverse array of British and international guests, with charitable causes often taking precedence.
Contrary to its modest façade, 10 Downing Street is a sprawling complex. The entrance hall, recognizable by its checkered floor, opens into a labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Originally a modest house on Downing Street, it was ingeniously connected to a grander residence behind it in the early 18th century. Over time, Number 10 has expanded laterally, absorbing much of 12 Downing Street, which is now accessible via a corridor through Number 11, the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
A Virtual Tour of 10 Downing Street
For those unable to visit in person, an immersive virtual tour of 10 Downing Street, including its most iconic rooms and moments, is available through the Google Cultural Institute. This digital exploration offers a unique glimpse into the heart of British government.
Downing Street’s Ancient Roots and Early Inhabitants
The area encompassing Downing Street boasts a history stretching back millennia. Long before its modern political prominence, the vicinity was inhabited by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans, establishing itself as a vital center even a thousand years ago.
The Roman arrival in Britain, led by Julius Caesar in 55 BC, saw the establishment of Londinium as their capital further down the river. For their early settlements, the Romans strategically chose Thorney Island, a marshy terrain nestled between two branches of the River Tyburn, flowing from Hampstead Heath into the Thames.
However, these early Roman settlements, along with those of the Anglo-Saxons and Normans who succeeded them, faced challenges. The area was susceptible to outbreaks of plague, and poverty was widespread among its inhabitants. A charter from Mercian King Offa in 785 AD referred to “the terrible place called Thorney Island,” highlighting its less than desirable reputation. Royal patronage was crucial in elevating the area’s prestige. King Canute, reigning from 1017 to 1035, constructed a palace in the vicinity, and both Edward the Confessor (1042-1066) and William the Conqueror (1066-1087) maintained a royal presence there. Westminster, as the area became known, solidified its position as the seat of government and religious authority with the construction of the grand abbey nearby, commissioned by Edward the Confessor.
Whitehall from St James’s Park, painted by Hendrick Danckerts circa 1675, showcasing the area around what is now 10 Downing Street London.
The earliest documented structure on the site of Downing Street was the Axe brewery, owned by the Abbey of Abingdon during the Middle Ages. By the early 1500s, the brewery had fallen into disuse, marking a transition in the land’s purpose.
King Henry VIII, who reigned from 1509 to 1547, significantly enhanced Westminster’s significance by establishing a lavish royal residence there. Whitehall Palace emerged when Henry VIII seized York House from Cardinal Wolsey in 1530 and expanded the complex. Present-day Downing Street is situated on the periphery of the former Palace grounds.
This vast royal residence boasted amenities including tennis courts, a tiltyard for jousting tournaments, a bowling green, and even a cockpit for bird fights, reflecting the extravagant tastes of the Tudor court. Spanning from St James’s Park to the Thames, Whitehall Palace served as the official residence of Tudor and Stuart monarchs until a devastating fire destroyed it in 1698. Its presence cemented the surrounding area as prime real estate in London and the natural locus of power.
The first known domestic dwelling built on the site of Number 10 was a substantial house leased to Sir Thomas Knyvet in 1581 by Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603). Knyvet, a favorite of the Queen, was a Member of Parliament for Thetford and a Justice of the Peace for Westminster. He is best remembered for apprehending Guy Fawkes for his role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Knighted in 1604 by Elizabeth’s successor, King James I (1603-1625), Knyvet further expanded the house.
Following the deaths of Sir Thomas Knyvet and his wife, the property passed to their niece, Elizabeth Hampden, who resided there for the subsequent four decades.
The mid-17th century was a period of intense political upheaval in England, and the Hampden family was deeply involved. Elizabeth Hampden’s son, John Hampden, was a prominent Member of Parliament who opposed King Charles I (1625-1649). Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, was also Mrs. Hampden’s nephew, placing her family at the heart of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period.
Hampden House, as it was then known, offered Mrs. Hampden a front-row seat to the dramatic events of the Civil War, the Commonwealth, and the early years of the Restoration. The execution of Charles I in 1649 occurred on a scaffold in front of Banqueting House in Whitehall, within earshot of her residence, highlighting the proximity of Downing Street to the center of national events. Mrs. Hampden was still living in the house when King Charles II (reigned in Scotland from 1649, and in England from 1660-1685) was restored to the English throne in 1660.
In 1650, during the Commonwealth, the Parliamentary Commissioners who managed Crown lands provided a detailed description of the house:
Built part of Bricke and part with Tymber and Flemish qalle and covered with Tyle, consistinge of a Large and spacious hall, wainscoted round, well lighted, and Paved with brick Pavements, two parls wherof one is Wainscoted round from the seelinge to ye floor, one Buttery, one seller, one Large kitchen well paved with stone and well fitted and Joynted and well fitted with dresser boards.
And above stayres in the first story one large and spacious dyneinge Roome, Wainscoted round from the seelinge to the floore, well flored, Lighted and seeled, and fitted with a faire Chimney with a foote pace of paynted Tyle in the same. Also 6 more Roomes and 3 Closetts in the same flore all well lighted and seeled. And in the second story 4 garretts…
This detailed inventory provides a glimpse into the size and features of the house that predated the Downing Street we know today.
The Emergence of Downing Street and George Downing
George Downing, though a figure of questionable character, is responsible for lending his name to the world-renowned street. Despite being described as unpleasant, miserly, and at times brutal, Downing was a capable diplomat and government administrator.
Downing’s ability to navigate political shifts was remarkable. Serving the Commonwealth as a diplomat in The Hague, he deftly switched allegiance upon the Restoration of the monarchy. By betraying enough secrets, he secured a royal pardon in March 1660 and was knighted by the restored monarchy in May of the same year.
Driven by ambition for power and wealth, Downing recognized a lucrative opportunity in property development. He had acquired Crown interests in the land surrounding Hampden House but faced obstacles as the land was leased to Knyvet’s descendants. In 1682, Downing successfully secured these leases and commissioned Sir Christopher Wren, the celebrated architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral, to design a street of houses.
Between 1682 and 1684, existing buildings were demolished to make way for a cul-de-sac of 15 to 20 terraced houses constructed along the north side of the newly formed Downing Street. To maximize profit, the houses were built cheaply and quickly, with inadequate foundations on the boggy ground. Instead of using expensive brick facades, mortar lines were drawn onto the brickwork to simulate evenly spaced bricks, creating a deceptive appearance of quality. In the 20th century, Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously described Number 10 as:
Shaky and lightly built by the profiteering contractor whose name they bear.
The construction of Downing Street did not occur without complaints. The new terrace was built directly behind a large, impressive house overlooking Horse Guards, owned by the Countess of Lichfield, a daughter of Charles II. Unhappy with the sudden appearance of the less-than-desirable terrace behind her residence, she complained to her father, King Charles II. The King responded with a note advising:
I think that it is a very reasonable thing that other houses should not look into your house without your permission, and this note will be sufficient for Mr Surveyor to build up your wall as high as you please.
This royal intervention highlights the social tensions created by Downing’s development.
The original numbering system for Downing Street was significantly different from today’s familiar sequence. Numbers were assigned haphazardly, and houses were often identified by the name or title of their occupants rather than by a number. The house that is now known as Number 10 was initially designated as Number 5 and was not renumbered until 1779, demonstrating the evolving nature of the street’s identity.
Despite its somewhat dubious origins, Downing Street attracted distinguished residents. The Countess of Yarmouth resided at Number 10 from 1688 to 1689, followed by Lord Lansdowne (1692-1696) and the Earl of Grantham (1699-1703). The last private resident of Downing’s terrace was a Mr. Chicken, about whom little is known except that he moved out in the early 1730s, paving the way for its transformation into a government residence.
From Private Residence to Prime Ministerial Home
A pivotal moment in the history of 10 Downing Street London arrived when King George II gifted both the house on Downing Street and a larger house overlooking Horse Guards to Sir Robert Walpole. Walpole held the title of First Lord of the Treasury and is considered Britain’s first Prime Minister, though the title was not formally used at the time. Walpole astutely declined the property as a personal gift. Instead, he requested that the King make it available as an official residence for himself and future First Lords of the Treasury, establishing a tradition that continues to this day. The brass letterbox on the iconic black front door still bears the inscription “First Lord of the Treasury,” a testament to this historical designation.
Walpole officially took up residence on September 22, 1735, after the townhouse on Downing Street and the house overlooking Horse Guards were connected and extensively renovated. He commissioned architect William Kent, who had previously worked on Walpole’s Norfolk estate, Houghton Hall, to oversee the transformation.
Kent’s renovations were extensive, joining the two houses across two stories. The main entrance was reoriented to face Downing Street rather than Horse Guards, and the Downing Street building became a formal entrance and passageway to the main residence behind it. At the rear of the house, where the Walpole family lived, Kent created grand new rooms suitable for entertaining important guests and constructed a distinctive three-sided staircase, which remains one of the building’s most admired architectural features.
Walpole utilized the ground floor for official business, choosing the largest room on the north-west side of the house as his study. This room is now famously known as the Cabinet Room, the heart of British government. Upstairs, on the first floor, the Walpole family occupied rooms facing Horse Guards Parade. Lady Walpole used what is now the White Drawing Room as her sitting room, and the current Terracotta Room served as their dining room. Number 10 quickly became a hub for political and social life, hosting guests ranging from King George II’s wife, Queen Caroline, to politicians, writers, and military leaders. It established itself as a place where politics and entertainment intertwined, a tradition that continues to this day at 10 Downing Street London.
Downing Street from Pelham to Pitt: Prime Ministers and Politics
Following Walpole’s departure from Downing Street in 1742, over two decades passed before another First Lord of the Treasury took up residence. His successors initially viewed the house as merely a perk of the job rather than an essential residence. Prime Ministers Henry Pelham (1743-1754) and the Duke of Newcastle (1757-1762) both preferred to reside in their own private townhouses, highlighting a period of transition in how Number 10 was perceived and utilized.
In 1763, George Grenville (1763-1765) moved into Downing Street but his tenure was short-lived. He was dismissed by King George III in 1765 for imposing the Stamp Act on the American colonies, a decision that contributed to the growing tensions leading to the American Revolution. The next Prime Minister to embrace Downing Street as a residence was Lord North (1770-1782). Lord North developed a fondness for the house and frequently entertained guests there. Notable visitors included the celebrated writer Samuel Johnson and Thomas Hansard, the founder of the parliamentary reporting system that is still in use today. One particularly popular guest, Clive of India, was so honored that furniture was specially made for him, which is still present in the first-floor anteroom and Terracotta Room, linking historical figures directly to the present-day interiors of 10 Downing Street London.
One memorable dinner party hosted by Lord North on June 7, 1780, coincided with the eruption of civil unrest outside. Angry Protestants, protesting North’s policies toward Roman Catholics, instigated riots across London in what became known as the Gordon Riots. The Grenadier Guards were deployed to hold back a large mob outside Downing Street. A potentially violent confrontation was averted when Lord North himself intervened, going outside to warn the protestors of the danger of being shot, which led to the crowd dispersing. North’s dinner guests famously climbed to the roof of Number 10 to witness the fires burning across London, a dramatic illustration of how national events could directly impact even the Prime Minister’s residence.
Significant improvements were made to Number 10 during Lord North’s time, adding many distinctive features that are still recognizable today. These included the black and white chequerboard floor in the entrance hall, the lamp positioned above the front door, and the iconic lion’s head door knocker, all of which have become synonymous with 10 Downing Street London.
Following the loss of the American colonies, a major political turning point, Lord North resigned. He was succeeded by the Duke of Portland, who served as Prime Minister for a brief nine months in 1782, marking a period of political instability and transition at Downing Street.
The Fall and Rise of 10 Downing Street in the 19th Century
As the 19th century began, Downing Street experienced a period of decline. While Number 10 remained the Prime Minister’s office, it fell out of favor as a primary residence. Most Prime Ministers during this era preferred to live in their own, often grander, townhouses, reflecting a shift in residential preferences among political leaders.
However, by the 1820s, Downing Street re-emerged as the undisputed center of British government. Prime Minister Viscount Goderich recognized the need to modernize and enhance Number 10 to better suit its high-profile role. He commissioned the renowned, albeit eccentric, architect Sir John Soane, famous for designing the Bank of England, to undertake renovations. Soane’s contributions included the creation of the wood-paneled State Dining Room and the Small Dining Room, designed for elegant and formal entertaining, enhancing Number 10’s capacity to host important events.
Despite Soane’s improvements, his successor, the Duke of Wellington, only occupied Number 10 temporarily while his own lavish residence, Apsley House, was undergoing refurbishment. Later Prime Ministers, including Lord Melbourne and Viscount Palmerston, primarily used Number 10 as an office and for Cabinet meetings, further reinforcing its function as the center of government administration rather than a primary residence. In 1828, Number 11 officially became the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s residence, solidifying the two houses’ distinct but interconnected roles within the British government.
Meanwhile, the surrounding area of Downing Street was deteriorating. Brothels and gin parlors became increasingly prevalent, contributing to a decline in the area’s social standing. By 1839, the situation had become so concerning that plans were proposed to demolish Number 10 and other buildings on the north side of Downing Street to make way for a redesigned Whitehall, reflecting the challenges of maintaining the area’s prestige.
Security concerns also escalated. In 1842, Edward Drummond, secretary to Prime Minister Robert Peel (1841-1846), was tragically murdered in Whitehall on his way home to Downing Street by an assassin who mistakenly targeted him for Peel. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of Downing Street and the growing security risks facing political figures.
The prestige of Downing Street was further diminished by the construction of the magnificent new Foreign Office building at the end of the 1860s. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Foreign Office, with its grand open court and elaborate state rooms, dwarfed Number 10 across the street. It even included its own Cabinet Room, leading to occasions where the Cabinet meetings were held there instead of at Number 10, symbolically challenging Number 10’s traditional centrality.
By the time Benjamin Disraeli became Prime Minister, Number 10 was in a state of disrepair. The living quarters had been largely unused for three decades, and Disraeli famously described it as “dingy and decaying,” recognizing the urgent need for modernization to restore its status and functionality as the Prime Minister’s residence and the heart of British government.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a transformation of 10 Downing Street from a humble terraced house into a grand residence equipped with modern amenities – a fitting home and office for the most powerful politician in the country. Disraeli successfully persuaded the government to fund renovations of the entrance halls and public rooms, while he personally financed the refurbishment of the private living quarters. His own first-floor bedroom and dressing room were improved, and a modern luxury for the time, a bath with hot and cold running water in the First Lord’s Dressing Room, was installed for £150.3s.6d.
When William Gladstone first moved into Number 10 in 1880, he insisted on extensive redecoration, spending a substantial £1,555.5s.0d – an enormous sum for the era – on new furniture, reflecting his desire to create a comfortable and fitting environment. During his occupancy in 1884, electric lighting was installed, replacing gas lamps and bringing Number 10 into the modern age. The first telephones were also installed during Gladstone’s time, connecting Number 10 to the rapidly evolving world of communication.
The Marquess of Salisbury, who succeeded Gladstone on several occasions, was the last Prime Minister to choose not to live at Number 10. Salisbury disliked the Cabinet Room, finding it a “cramped close room” and preferred to work in the larger Cabinet Room at the Foreign Office. He resided in his own home on Arlington Street and offered Number 10 to his nephew, Arthur Balfour, who would later become Prime Minister himself. Balfour holds the distinction of being the first resident of Number 10 to bring a motor car to Downing Street, further marking the transition to a new era.
Over the ensuing years, continuous changes and improvements were made to Number 10. When Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald first entered the house, he expressed a desire to restore some of the grandeur it possessed during the times of Walpole and Pitt. Noting the absence of a proper library, or at least one containing more than just parliamentary reports, MacDonald initiated the creation of one. He established the Prime Minister’s Library, initially located in the Cabinet Room. The tradition of Prime Ministers and other ministers donating books to the library continues to this day, enriching its collection. Central heating was finally installed in 1937, providing modern comfort throughout the house. Work also commenced to convert the labyrinthine attic rooms, previously used by servants, into a self-contained flat for the Prime Minister, enhancing the residential aspect of 10 Downing Street London.
Number 10 Under Fire: Wartime History
World War One: Downing Street at the Heart of the War Effort
In 1912, Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith faced significant political challenges, particularly concerning Irish Home Rule and opposition from the Tory party. This domestic turmoil, however, was overshadowed by the escalating international tensions that would lead to World War One. Civil war in Ireland was only narrowly averted with the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, which shifted the nation’s focus entirely.
The Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street London became the nerve center of Britain’s war effort. Asquith’s wartime Cabinet included future Prime Ministers David Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty. Following the resignation of the Secretary of State for War in March 1914, Asquith briefly assumed this role himself before appointing Lord Kitchener shortly after the war began.
On April 15, 1916, Number 10 hosted a critical meeting between General Haig, Commander-in-Chief of British forces in France, and the Cabinet to finalize the plans for the Somme offensive, which would become known as the Battle of the Somme. This meeting underscores Number 10’s role in directing military strategy during the war.
A Cabinet split on May 25, 1915, triggered by public outcry over perceived shortages of shells for the army and the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign, led to significant reshuffles. Kitchener was stripped of control over munitions and strategy, and Churchill lost his position as First Lord of the Admiralty. As a consequence of this crisis, Asquith formed a coalition government with the opposition Conservatives, led by future Prime Minister Andrew Bonar Law, broadening political unity during wartime.
Asquith remained leader of the coalition until his resignation on December 5, 1916. After Bonar Law declined to form a government, David Lloyd George became Prime Minister on December 7, 1916, taking over the wartime leadership from Downing Street.
Under Lloyd George, the administrative demands of the war led to a significant expansion of staff at Number 10. Offices spilled out into the garden to accommodate the growing bureaucracy needed to manage the war effort, illustrating the immense pressure on the building and its resources.
Lloyd George swiftly established his ‘War Cabinet,’ a smaller, more agile body focused solely on the war. Its members included Lord Curzon, Bonar Law, and Arthur Henderson. In its first 235 days, the War Cabinet convened an astonishing 200 times, demonstrating its intense operational pace and centrality to wartime decision-making.
This War Cabinet assumed total responsibility for directing the war and, on three occasions, convened as the Imperial War Cabinet with Prime Ministers from the Dominions, fostering collaboration across the British Empire. It injected a new dynamism into the war effort that had been perceived as lacking previously.
Highly skilled young men were recruited to gather and analyze data, bypassing slower government departments and streamlining information flow to the War Cabinet. These individuals, working from huts in the gardens near Downing Street, were nicknamed the ‘Garden Suburb.’ While they were not always popular with traditional civil servants, they provided Lloyd George with crucial up-to-date statistics, something Asquith had seemingly lacked. Their work, providing data on merchant ship losses and UK farm production, was invaluable for addressing critical issues essential to preventing Britain from being starved into defeat.
When the armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, crowds thronged Downing Street, chanting ‘LG’ in recognition of Lloyd George’s wartime leadership. Lloyd George appeared at a first-floor window of Number 10 to acknowledge the jubilant crowds, marking a historic moment of national celebration witnessed directly from Downing Street London.
World War Two: Chamberlain and Churchill at Number 10 During the Blitz
During the 1930s, global attention increasingly focused on Europe, particularly the rising tensions between Germany and Czechoslovakia. The Prime Ministers of France and Britain sought to avert another devastating war. On September 12, 1938, thousands gathered outside Downing Street to listen to Hitler’s speech at the Nuremberg Rally, with a widespread sense that Britain was on the brink of war, highlighting the palpable anxiety of the era.
As tensions escalated, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain pursued a policy of appeasement, making Number 10 the focal point of intense international scrutiny and diplomatic activity. On the morning of September 29, 1938, Chamberlain traveled to Germany for a final meeting with French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier, Hitler, and Mussolini.
The Munich Agreement was signed, and war was, for the moment, averted. Before returning to England, Chamberlain secured Hitler’s signature on the now-infamous “Peace in our Time” document, declaring that future disputes between Britain and Germany would be resolved peacefully.
Upon Chamberlain’s arrival back at Heston Airfield, he was met by massive crowds and delivered his optimistic “Peace in Our Time” speech, waving the signed document aloft.
Returning to Downing Street after meeting with King George VI, Chamberlain found Downing Street and Number 10 packed with cheering crowds. He repeated the speech from a first-floor window of Number 10:
My good friends, this is the second time there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now I recommend you go home, and sleep quietly in your beds.
However, the peace proved to be short-lived. Over the next 12 months, tensions remained high, and on September 3, 1939, Chamberlain broadcast to the nation from the Cabinet Room at Number 10, announcing that Britain was at war with Germany. Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister on May 10, 1940, and advised King George VI to invite Winston Churchill to form a government, marking a critical leadership transition as Britain faced its gravest threat.
When Winston Churchill succeeded Chamberlain, he and his wife moved into the second-floor flat at Downing Street London, which became Churchill’s primary working space throughout the war.
Churchill often dictated speeches, memos, and letters to his secretaries while propped up in bed, either in the morning or late at night, invariably with a cigar in hand, a quintessential image of wartime leadership from Number 10.
By October 1940, the intense German bombing campaign known as the Blitz began. On October 14, a large bomb landed on Treasury Green near Downing Street, causing significant damage to the Number 10 kitchen and state rooms, and tragically killing three civil servants who were on Home Guard duty. Churchill was dining in the Garden Rooms when the air raid began. In his memoir, Their Finest Hour (1949), he recounted:
We were dining in the garden-room of Number 10 when the usual night raid began. The steel shutters had been closed. Several loud explosions occurred around us at no great distance, and presently a bomb fell, perhaps a hundred yards away, on the Horse Guards Parade, making a great deal of noise.
Suddenly I had a providential impulse. The kitchen in Number 10 Downing Street is lofty and spacious, and looks out through a large plate-glass window about 25 feet high. The butler and parlour maid continued to serve the dinner with complete detachment, but I became acutely aware of this big window. I got up abruptly, went into the kitchen, told the butler to put the dinner on the hot plate in the dining-room, and ordered the cook and the other servants into the shelter, such as it was.
I had been seated again at the table only about 3 minutes when a really loud crash, close at hand, and a violent shock showed that the house had been struck. My detective came into the room and said much damage had been done. The kitchen, the pantry and the offices on the Treasury were shattered.
Ensuring the safety of Downing Street became a top priority for the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet. Steel reinforcements were added to the Garden Rooms, and heavy metal shutters were installed over windows to provide protection from bombing raids. The Garden Rooms, including a small dining room, bedroom, and meeting area, became Churchill’s primary working and living space throughout the war, though even these measures would not have withstood a direct hit.
In October 1939, the Cabinet had already relocated from Number 10 to secret underground war rooms in the basement of the Office of Works, opposite the Foreign Office, which are now known as the Churchill War Rooms.
Following further near misses from bombs in 1940, Churchill and his wife moved out of Downing Street and into the Number 10 Annex above the war rooms for greater safety. Furniture and valuables were removed from Number 10, and only the Garden Rooms, Cabinet Room, and Private Secretaries’ office remained in regular use during the height of the Blitz.
Despite disliking living in the Annex, Churchill continued to use Number 10 for work and meals, maintaining its symbolic and functional importance.
A reinforced shelter was constructed beneath the house, designed to accommodate up to six people working at Number 10. Even King George VI sought shelter there when he dined with Churchill in the Garden Rooms, demonstrating the ongoing risks and the shared experience of wartime London. Despite further bomb damage to Number 10, the house avoided direct hits, enabling Churchill to continue working and dining there throughout the war.
As soon as the war ended in Europe, Churchill and his wife moved back into Number 10. From the Cabinet Room at 3 pm on May 8, 1945, Churchill delivered his historic Victory in Europe (VE) Day broadcast to the nation, marking a momentous occasion from the heart of 10 Downing Street London.
Falklands Conflict: Thatcher’s Vigil at Number 10
On March 19, 1982, an Argentinian flag was raised by a group of scrap metal merchants on South Georgia Island, a British overseas territory and dependency of the Falkland Islands. This act occurred amidst a long-standing dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and was seen as a prelude to a full-scale Argentinian invasion.
Argentine General Leopoldo Galtieri ordered the invasion of the Falklands to commence on April 2, 1982, preempting any potential reinforcement of the United Kingdom’s military presence in the region. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher responded decisively, dispatching a naval task force to recapture the islands. The task force set sail from Portsmouth on April 5, following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street London and the passage of a UN Resolution.
Throughout the 74 days of the Falklands conflict, Prime Minister Thatcher remained vigilantly in the Downing Street flat, monitoring the crisis around the clock. Her personal assistant, Cynthia Crawford, moved into the flat at Number 10 to provide companionship and support during these intense all-night vigils. Crawford recounted the atmosphere within Number 10 during the conflict:
She did not once change into her nightclothes in the flat for the duration of the war. We would sit in the flat listening to the BBC World Service for news of the task force. She couldn’t sleep because she wanted to be ready in case anything happened.
She wanted to be able to go to any briefings with the naval commanders at any time without the fuss and bother of having to get dressed. She also wanted to know everything that was happening, every single detail, so she could keep on top of events. She had to know how the soldiers, sailors and airmen were getting on.
She was so worried about them. It was awful when we heard any reports of our ships being hit. Her determination and powers of endurance were unbelievable. Denis was in the room next door. The 2 of us would sit in armchairs either side of a two-bar electric fire, listening to the radio.
Crawford described Thatcher’s routine, leaving Downing Street at 8 am each morning to attend military briefings for updates and to discuss the next phases of the campaign:
I would take advantage of that and jump into bed at the flat so I could get some sleep. I’d tell the Downing Street switchboard to wake me when she was on her way back so I could be ready for work. We don’t all have her energy.
The Falklands conflict concluded with Argentinian surrender on June 14, 1982. Margaret Thatcher reflected on this period, stating:
When I became Prime Minister I never thought that I would have to order British troops into combat and I do not think I have ever lived so tensely or intensely as during the whole of that time.
Margaret Thatcher – The Downing Street Years.
This period underscores how 10 Downing Street London serves as the nerve center during times of national crisis, with Prime Ministers making critical decisions under immense pressure within its walls.
Restoration, Modernization, and Enduring Legacy
By the 1950s, the structural condition of 10 Downing Street had reached a critical point. Bomb damage from World War II had exacerbated existing structural problems. The building was suffering from subsidence, leaning walls, warped door frames, and escalating annual repair costs, signaling an urgent need for comprehensive renovation.
In 1954, the Ministry of Works commissioned a survey to assess the building’s structural integrity. The report circulated through successive Prime Ministers – Winston Churchill (1951-1955), Anthony Eden (1955-1957), and Harold Macmillan (1957-1963) – as the urgency of the situation became increasingly apparent. Finally, a committee established by Macmillan concluded that radical intervention was necessary to prevent the building from collapsing or being destroyed by fire.
The committee considered various options, including the complete demolition of Numbers 10, 11, and 12 and their replacement with a modern structure. However, this drastic proposal was rejected in favor of preserving the historic buildings. The decision was made to rebuild Number 12 entirely and to structurally reinforce and preserve the historic features of Numbers 10 and 11.
Architect Raymond Erith was selected to oversee the extensive restoration project, initially estimated to take two years and cost £500,000. The project ultimately lasted three years and doubled the initial budget. The foundations were found to be in such poor condition that massive concrete underpinning was required to stabilize the buildings.
Number 10 was completely gutted internally. Walls, floors, and even the columns in the Cabinet Room and Pillared Room were discovered to be rotten and required replacement. New features were also added during the renovation, including a new room facing Downing Street and a veranda at Number 11 for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
During the restoration, a surprising discovery was made: the familiar black exterior façade was not naturally black at all but yellow brick. The blackened appearance was the result of two centuries of accumulated pollution from London’s air. To maintain the iconic black façade, the newly cleaned yellow bricks were painted black, preserving the building’s recognizable image. Erith’s restoration work was completed in 1963. However, shortly thereafter, dry rot was detected, necessitating further repairs, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining such a historic structure.
In the late 1980s, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher commissioned architect Quinlan Terry to refurbish the state drawing rooms. Two rooms, the White Drawing Room and the Terracotta Room, received ornate plasterwork ceilings. In the White Drawing Room, the plasterwork included the addition of the national emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, symbolizing national unity within 10 Downing Street London.
All the restoration work of previous decades was jeopardized in 1991 when a terrorist bomb exploded near Number 10. An IRA mortar bomb, launched from a white transit van in Whitehall, detonated in the garden of Number 10, just meters from where Prime Minister John Major (1990-1997) was chairing a Cabinet meeting on the Gulf War.
Although no one was killed, the explosion created a crater in the Number 10 gardens and shattered windows in neighboring buildings. John Major and some staff temporarily relocated to Admiralty Arch while bomb damage repairs were undertaken, demonstrating the ongoing security threats to 10 Downing Street London even in modern times.
By 2006, it became evident that the Downing Street complex was struggling to adequately support the demands of the modern Prime Minister’s Office. Independent surveys revealed that the building was no longer weather-tight, the heating system was failing, and the information and communications technology (ICT) network was at its operational limits. Frequent power outages and water leaks were significantly disrupting the day-to-day operations of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Adding to the strain, the building’s occupancy had dramatically increased from a stable 50 for many years to around 170, placing further pressure on its aging infrastructure. In 2006, Prime Minister Tony Blair (1997-2007) authorized a new program of improvements, ensuring the building remained operational throughout the renovations. Work was initiated to address structural failures, modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and enhance the building’s sustainability.
Structural issues were prioritized, with a phased exterior repair project launched to address failing lead guttering, cracked brickwork, and other structural problems. The distinctive black colorwash was also renewed, as it had faded in many areas, revealing the yellow brickwork beneath. During the course of these repairs, the façade of 11 Downing Street was found to be unstable and had to be secured with 225 stainless steel pins. All renovation work was conducted in consultation with English Heritage, ensuring the preservation of the building’s historical integrity.
Other projects focused on modernizing the building’s aging infrastructure, including replacing heating, fire protection, and electrical power distribution systems. Sustainability was a key focus of the program, achieving a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by 2011. Rainwater harvesting was introduced in 2009, providing a sustainable water source for the garden. Accessibility for disabled visitors was significantly improved through the installation of ramps and modernized lifts. Many public areas, including the front entrance hall, the state and small dining rooms, and the study, were also restored to their former glory.
An ongoing program remains in place to continue upgrading facilities to modern standards and to ensure the long-term preservation of this historic building for future generations, securing the legacy of 10 Downing Street London.
10 Downing Street: A Place of Entertainment and Modern Functions
Every week, 10 Downing Street serves as a venue for numerous official functions, including meetings, receptions, lunches, and dinners, continuing its long tradition as a place of both political work and social engagement.
Visitors are not limited to heads of state and international dignitaries. Functions are regularly held for individuals from all sectors of UK society, including notable achievers, public service employees, and charity workers, reflecting the Prime Minister’s role as a national figurehead.
Receptions are typically informal gatherings, while lunches and dinners are more formal affairs. The Small Dining Room can accommodate up to 12 guests, and the State Dining Room can seat up to 65 around a large U-shaped table, providing venues for both intimate and grand events at 10 Downing Street London. The dining table is set with pieces from the state silver collection, including modern silverware commissioned by the Silver Trust to promote contemporary British craftsmanship.
Technological Evolution at Number 10: A Timeline of Installations
Since 10 Downing Street became the official residence of the Prime Minister, the building has served a dual role as both home and workplace for Britain’s leaders.
Number 10 has undergone continuous upgrades, including the integration of new technologies, throughout its history. These advancements have aimed to ensure both a reasonable standard of living for its residents and to keep the Prime Minister at the forefront of government decision-making. Often, the arrival of a new Prime Minister has served as a catalyst for technological upgrades.
Here is a timeline of notable technological developments across three centuries at 10 Downing Street London:
Timeline of Technological Installations
1877 – Hot and cold running water installed. Living quarters renovated for Benjamin Disraeli, including the addition of a bath.
1894 – Installation of electric lighting and the first telephones. Following Disraeli’s departure, William Gladstone redecorated and oversaw these modern installations.
1902 – The first motor car driven onto Downing Street. Arthur Balfour introduced the first car, beginning a tradition of Prime Ministers using British-made vehicles, including Wolseleys, Humbers, Rovers, Daimlers, and Jaguars.
1937 – First central heating system installed, improving comfort during London winters.
1963 – Electrical and telephone systems completely replaced during a major renovation of the building.
1982 – The first direct hotline between No. 10 and Washington D.C. established during Margaret Thatcher’s first term, reflecting the growing importance of transatlantic communication.
1982 – First ‘micro-computer’ and microfilm reader installed, marking the beginning of the digital age at Number 10.
1983 – Wider rollout of computer machines for Number 10 staff following a review of the building’s technological needs.
1990s – First video conference conducted from John Major’s study, pioneering new forms of remote communication.
1996 – Desktop PCs installed at all workstations, fully integrating personal computers into the daily operations of Number 10.
1996 – Launch of the first No. 10 website (http://web.archive.org/web/19970416130757/http://number-10.gov.uk/), establishing an online presence for the Prime Minister’s office.
1998 – Internet access became mainstreamed across Number 10 staff desktops, facilitating access to global information networks.
2002 – Dedicated video conferencing suite installed, prompted by the events of 9/11, enabling instant face-to-face communication with international counterparts.
2005 – A new email account launched, enabling the public to directly contact the Prime Minister, increasing citizen engagement.
2008 – Number 10’s own online TV station – Number10 TV – launched, creating a direct media channel for government communication.
2008 – Number 10’s first tweet sent, marking its entry into social media, and since then, over 3,000 tweets have been sent, reflecting the evolving communication landscape of 10 Downing Street London.
Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office: A Modern Resident
Larry, the cat, has been an official resident of 10 Downing Street since February 15, 2011. He holds the unique and official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, a whimsical yet significant role within the building.
Larry was recruited from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, chosen for his reputed mousing prowess. His arrival at Number 10 has been impactful, bringing a touch of levity and public affection to the seat of government.
Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, pictured in a meeting room at 10 Downing Street London.
Larry has captured the hearts of the British public and the press corps often stationed outside the front door of 10 Downing Street London. He frequently receives gifts and treats from admirers across the nation.
Larry’s daily routine includes greeting guests, inspecting security arrangements (presumably from a feline perspective), and assessing the comfort level of antique furniture for napping. His primary responsibility, addressing the house’s mouse population, is reportedly still in the ‘tactical planning stage,’ according to Larry himself, adding a touch of humor to the serious business of government at 10 Downing Street London.
