United Kingdom: 10 Downing Street
"Behind its black door have been taken the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years."
- Dr. Anthony Seldon
Political Historian & Commentator on British Political Leadership
10 Downing Street Door
Downing Street
Overview
Construction: 1682 - 1684 (Original Street Buildings), Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century (Modification)
Location: 10 Downing St, London SW1A 2AA, United Kingdom
Architects: Christopher Wren, Quinlan Terry, William Kent, Raymond Erith
Architectural Style: Georgian
Commissioned By: George Downing
Reason: The former diplomat at The Hague serving the Commonwealth saw an opportunity of gaining more money and power through property; he decided on Sir Christopher Wren as the architect. The first reason to build the property was far from Number 10's usage now.
Brief History: The primary purpose of the construction of Downing Street was far from its purpose today. The street first emerged when George Downing wished to increase his power and wealth through property. However, the houses were poorly built, resulting in many dilemmas later on as their usage became increasingly frequent. Some distinguished residents did live on the street though, such as Countess of Yarmouth at Number 10 from 1688 to 1689. In the early 18th century, King George II offered the Downing Street Houses to Sir Robert Walpole, the First Lord of Treasury , which is now similar to the rank of Prime Minister. However, Walpole rejected the property as a personal gift and instead asked the King to present it as an official residence to him and all who would take his place in the future. This is how the tradition that is still very much active today commenced. As progressively more prime ministers took up Number 10 as their residence, it slowly transformed as continuous improvements were made to the house to suit respective tastes and comforts.
World War I was an event that truly showed the prominence of Number 10; the residence, especially the Cabinet Room, served as the nerve center along with David Lloyd George. World War II brought on a similar situation with Chamberlain and Winston Churchill. Some of the most imperative decisions in British history were made inside the walls of Number 10. Through withstanding such wars in addition to its original poor structure, by 1950, the house was on the brink of collapse. After major restoration and modernization as well as technological advancements, however, Number 10 today is a grand place of entertainment and official functions such as meetings, receptions, luncheons and dinners. It is both the residence and the workplace of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
10 Downing Street Door
10 Downing Street Interior Staircase
With the People
As mentioned previously, the 10 Downing Street holds much weight to its name; the residence is of great significance to the nation as a whole. The building is central to the political life of the country. The visits of key foreign political figures and dignitaries, photographs of the door and thorough coverage are all testaments to the power of Number 10.
However, one should start to wonder at some point why the Prime Minister, one of the highest positions in the country, does not have his very own extravagant residence, such as a small palace, or another eye-catching piece of property? Instead, the residence is an “ordinary” house with an “ordinary” address: no special name. The townhouse has a modest exterior as a terraced house surrounded by neighbors. This brings the Prime Minister along with the British Executive a few steps closer to the public, symbolizing key components of a democratic nation. In a nation still connected to monarchy, 10 Downing Street has an impact on citizens.
On the same note of citizens, the fact that the Prime Minister of the nation lives in a house that looks like any other, citizens may become more aware of the truth that the Prime Minister himself, along with all other high politicians, are simply citizens much like themselves. Again, this way the government can become more of a familiar entity. Further, citizens, passersby and visitors are encouraged to deepen their participation in the government. Such a familiar yet inspiring component of the environment in the United Kingdom instill within the people the importance and power of democracy. 10 Downing Street is not only one of the most famous addresses in the world, but also one of the most finest signs for democracy.
