10 Downing Street

　　10 Downing Street is situated on Downing Street, adjacent to Whitehall in the Westminster district of London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It is a Georgian-style building. Traditionally the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, the position has been held concurrently by the Prime Minister since then, making it widely recognized today as the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Its unassuming black wooden door, adorned with the white Arabic numeral “10,” has become an iconic symbol.

　　Downing Street was developed in the latter half of the 17th century by Sir George Downing as a street of private residences, of which four houses were eventually retained. In 1733, King George II designated No. 10 as the residence of the Prime Minister, No. 11 for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and No. 12 as the office of the Chancellor.

　　In addition to being the residence and office of the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street also houses the workspaces of the Prime Minister's secretaries, assistants, and advisors. The Prime Minister formulates policies daily with cabinet members and policy advisors at 10 Downing Street. Key government departments such as Parliament, the Treasury, and the Foreign Office are just minutes away, allowing the Prime Minister easy access to intelligence and communication. Furthermore, Buckingham Palace, where the monarch resides, is nearby, enabling the Prime Minister to regularly report to the monarch. The residence contains various meeting rooms and banquet halls where the Prime Minister often receives dignitaries from all sectors of society and leaders from around the world. Thus, 10 Downing Street symbolizes the heart of the British government and is one of the centers of British politics.

　　Today, 10 Downing Street has gradually become an emblem of the British Prime Minister and a historically significant landmark in London. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said in 1985 that 10 Downing Street had become “the most precious jewel in the national heritage.”

　　The most famous room inside 10 Downing Street is the Cabinet Room, which offers views of the Changing of the Guard by the Royal Guard and St. James’s Park. During World War II, Churchill converted a basement room into a dining room. The second floor includes a breakfast room, the State Dining Room, a study, and a second drawing room, with the State Dining Room being the largest. The drawing rooms feature valuable oil paintings, most of which are on loan from museums and galleries. 10 Downing Street has long been the center of major governmental decisions, policymaking, and world-changing meetings.

　　Architecture:

　　Although 10 Downing Street is not open to the public, there are many notable rooms and architectural features worth mentioning. Additionally, while 10 Downing Street houses numerous valuable sculptures, famous paintings, and cultural relics, most of them are actually on loan from the Government Art Collection. This committee regularly selects and rotates pieces for display at 10 Downing Street. These works are not necessarily classical—they may also be modern and avant-garde—based on their ability to represent British art.

　　The Black Door: The black front door was built in the 1760s and features a chandelier above it, along with the famous lion-head door knocker and the white Arabic numeral “10.” The Prime Minister does not have a key, as the door can only be opened from the inside.

　　The Cabinet Room: Since 1856, cabinet meetings have been held here. Originally called the “Council Chamber,” cabinet meetings are now held every Thursday morning. The room was expanded by William Pitt the Younger, and the boat-shaped meeting table was purchased by Harold Macmillan so he could see everyone during meetings.

　　The Staircase: The stone staircase is adorned with portraits of former Prime Ministers in chronological order, excluding the current Prime Minister. Harold Macmillan’s wife once removed all the portraits, but Harold Wilson restored the tradition in 1964. In 1979, James Callaghan briefly displayed a full-color portrait, though it was soon returned to its original state. At the bottom of the stairs is a globe gifted by French President François Mitterrand, which was cut in half to facilitate its transport into 10 Downing Street due to its large size.

　　The White Room: The White Room is predominantly white and was once the drawing room of Lady Walpole, as well as a favorite room of Lady Churchill.

　　The Terracotta Room: The Terracotta Room features a terracotta color scheme and was originally used by Sir Robert Walpole as a dining room. It is now used to receive guests attending state banquets. The room displays portraits of famous generals such as the Duke of Wellington, as well as a mahogany desk that belonged to William Pitt the Younger, which is over 200 years old.

　　The Pillared Room: Used for official events such as signing ceremonies. It is said that the room is often haunted, and some have reported seeing the ghost of a woman wearing a long dress and jewelry.

　　The Small Dining Room: Originally known as the “breakfast room,” it connects to the State Dining Room. After renovations in 1826, it became the Small Dining Room.

　　The State Dining Room: Added in 1783 on top of a vaulted kitchen, it cost £20,000 to build, although the kitchen is now located outside the dining room. The State Dining Room is used to host foreign dignitaries and houses a collection of valuable silverware. Before announcing his resignation as Prime Minister in 1955, Winston Churchill hosted a dinner for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip there.

　　Prime Minister’s Office: “Downing Street” and “10 Downing Street” are often used synonymously with the Prime Minister’s Office. The office is located within the Prime Minister’s residence and is overseen by a Chief of Staff, who manages a team of civil servants and special advisors. The Prime Minister’s Office primarily supports and advises on the Prime Minister’s policies, as well as handles communication with Parliament, government departments, the public, and the media.

　　Address: 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom

　　Website: http://www.number10.gov.uk/

　　Opening Hours: Not open to the public