Visit Ten Downing Street recently welcomed the new British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Many famous personalities have entered this property, known for its black door since 1735.
Today, let's look back at a few facts about this place.
Ten Downing Street: article summary
Ten Downing Street: a typical Georgian facade
Ten Downing Street has a Georgian façade, but the structure is actually from the Stuart era. The Stuart period ran from 1603 to 1714. It brought many changes to London and the city. some places are still marked by this period.
The building has five levels, including :
- Three floors
- A basement
- An attic
Not all rooms are dedicated to the Prime Minister's residence. There are also meeting rooms.
Two houses in one
The residence of the First Lords of the Treasury in 1735 consisted of two combined houses. The property faced two streets:
- The townhouse on Downing Street
- The house overlooks Horse Guards Park
The two buildings were merged over two floors and renovated by the famous architect of the time, William Kent.
Today, even if the façade appears modest, it's important to understand that the space is spacious enough.
Ten Downing Street: an unmistakable front door
The front door is a six-panel Georgian-style door, redesigned by architect Kenton Couse in 1766.
It also includes :
- A lion-head door knocker
- A central door handle
- A brass plaque with the inscription "First Lord of the Treasury".
All these additions are very recent. The original door was somewhat more modest. The current black Georgian entrance door is a bombproof metal replica.
The original was in black oak, but was replaced after an attack on Downing Street in 1991 by the Irish Republican Army.
There are two other replicas and they are repainted about every two years.
A reinforced safety system
Even if it has a central door handle, the door cannot be opened from the outside.
Even the Prime Minister can't get in - he doesn't have a key! There's always a security guard on duty behind the door to let him and other authorized persons in.
As a government stronghold, it's only logical that the gate itself should offer this kind of security.
Ten Downing Street: a facade painted black
The facade of the house is actually painted to give the impression that it's made of black bricks. The bricks were originally yellow, but eventually turned black. due to air pollution during the industrial revolution.
In the 1960s, the facade was cleaned and its original bright hue revealed. However, people didn't get used to the yellow facade. To satisfy the public, the facade has since been painted black.
Numerous rooms for the comfort of its occupants
10 Downing Street has many rooms, including :
- The entrance hall
- The grand staircase
- The white living room
- The firm
- The terracotta room
- The pillar room
- The small dining room
- The state dining room
- The office
- The garden
The small dining room, also known as the breakfast room, can accommodate around 12 people.
The State Dining Room seats up to 65 guests with its large U-shaped table. Whenever 10 Downing Street entertains, the table is set with modern silverware commissioned by the Silver Trust.
Imposing and symmetrical, the head of state's residence at Ten Downing Street is a must-see if you're spending a few days in London. On site, you can take a few photos and bring back this souvenir of your trip to England.
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