Inside 10 Downing Street

Take a tour of the UK prime minister’s official abode

Take a tour of one of the most famous locations in Britain: the Prime Minister’s official residence

Ever since Robert Walpole, the first person regarded as holding the power and position of a British prime minister, 10 Downing Street has been the prime minister’s official residence. This came about when King George II offered Walpole the building as a gift in 1732. Walpole accepted it on the condition that it was not a gift solely to him, but to whoever held his position. To this day, the role of prime minister has come with this gift.

Signifying this tradition, the portraits of former prime ministers are placed on the wall leading up its grand staircase. The current prime minister is missing from this display, but as soon as they leave office the frames are shifted down the wall, and a new portrait is added at the top. There is no requirement for a prime minister to live within these walls, however. In fact, between 1735 and 1902, only 16 of the 32 leading statesmen – and one woman – stayed there. In more recent years many prime ministers, such as the UK’S current leader Boris Johnson, chose to move into Number 11, where there is a more spacious flat.

Behind the famous, bomb-proof black door of 10 Downing Street is a mansion of around 100 rooms. The building’s purpose isn’t just to add comfort to the life of the prime minister, but to create a setting where some of the most important decisions can be made on behalf of the country.