The history of 10 Downing Street is a very interesting story. It has been home to the Prime Minister since the 1730s when George II gave the property to Sir Robert Walpole for his personal use.
He actually gave him two buildings which Walpole set about converting into one larger home. Walpole refused to accept the house as a gift, instead requesting it be made available to future Prime Ministers as their residence and his wish was granted.
Walpole employed William Kent to turn the two buildings into a residence fit for a statesman of his stature, and he succeeded admirably. Walpole succeeded less admirably in his role as husband; estranged from his wife he caused quite a stir by openly entertaining his mistress and other lady friends at 10 Downing Street. He left the home in 1742.
George Grenville lived there briefly, followed by Lord North who did a great deal of entertaining and socializing at the residence. 10 Downing Street’s most recognizable features were added during North’s occupancy, such as the black and white chequerboard floor in the entrance, and the lion’s head door knocker.
In 1783 William Pitt the Younger moved in, and at 24 he was the youngest Prime Minister ever. One of the odder incidents during this time came in 1786 when Pitt endured an operation to remove a facial cyst while in the house, and without anaesthetic. When Pitt died in 1808 at age 46, he had lived at the residence for 20 years.
In the 19th century, the building fell on very hard times.
In 1812 Spencer Percival was shot in the House of Commons by a convict with a grudge, and went home to 10 Downing Street to die.
The area around 10 Downing Street got increasingly dangerous as brothels and gin parlours moved in, and there was talk of demolishing the residence.
In 1877 when Benjamin Disraeli moved in, he convinced the government to pay to renovate the sadly neglected building and it has been in almost constant use ever since.
From the outside, the house seems surprisingly modest but the history of 10 Downing street will intrigue and fascinate you.
Visiting 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, Westminster, SW1A 2AA
Photo courtesy: nikoretro
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