Even though it is 2 thousand years old, the city of London is still old and innovative.
The city of London was discovered by the Romans in AD 43. Later it became the capital of the British rulers who believed that the sun would not set in their rule.
Traditional city
I could go on and on about the oldest features of the city of London. Britain is packed full of European literature, economics, politics, civilization, fascinating heritage, history, and the River Thames.
The most important of which has caught everyone’s attention right now is 10, Downing Street(Street)(10 Downing Street).
300 years old
All London government offices are located around the Houses of Parliament in the Westminster area. 10, Downing Street in the City of Westminster is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
The 300-year-old house has more than 100 rooms including Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Meeting Room, Meeting Room for Foreign Leaders, Reception Room, Press Room, Terrace Garden, Grand Kitchen, 3 Dining Halls, 3 Reception Rooms, Emergency Meeting Hall.
The doors of 10, Downing Street House are grandly framed in black oak, bearing the British flag. However, this door was damaged in the 1991 blast. Subsequently, the door was replaced with a bulletproof door of the same type and shape in the same type of wood.
The park is situated on half an acre of the Prime Minister’s official residence alone. 10 Downing Street is home to the British Parliament and the Queen’s Palace.
Integrated Home
In 1732, King George, who ruled Britain, gifted this house number 10 to Sir Robert Walpole. There were 3 houses then. The house remained unchanged until the 18th and 19th centuries. But in 1905 all 3 houses were joined together. It was then known as Number 10 Downing Street.
10 Downing Street is a 300-year-old house that has been torn down and rebuilt from time to time due to walls shifting and falling. However its main rooms are still intact.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “10 Downing Street is one of England’s most priceless gems.”
11 Downing House
Although 10 Downing Street is the Prime Minister’s official residence, there is no obligation for the Prime Minister to live there. However, the house is traditional and small, so few former Prime Ministers have lived here.
Notably Tony Blair, David Cameron and Boris Johnson lived at 11, Downing Street. However, the 50-year-old kitchen at No. 11 was remodeled by Prime Minister Cameron.
A huge door
10 The first welcome to the Downing home is the huge front door that was erected 20 years ago. The door is intricately carved with a British flag carved from black oak wood. After the bombings in 1991, this door was replaced with a bullet proof door. This door is so huge that at least 8 people can fit it together.
Next are the main cobblestones. Between 1732 and 1734, the interior of the house was rebuilt by William Kent and divided into 3 staircases. It is in front of these stairs that world leaders, cabinet and ministers take photographs.
Next is the cabinet room. Although this room was used by some Prime Ministers to hold meetings, Prime Ministers like Tony Blair and Cameron used it as their official office. There are beautifully designed chairs and tables made of expensive wood. There is a separate space in the cabinet room for holding cabinet meetings
3 types of receptions
10 Downing House has 3 different drawing rooms to welcome guests, i.e. reception rooms. There are pillared reception rooms, terracotta reception rooms and white reception rooms. These 3 salons were created in each period.
The pillared reception hall is the oldest. Next is the terracotta reception room, where guests are entertained and the table is set for dinner. Blueroom Also named.
The White Living Room is where the Prime Minister meets his personal friends, relatives and family. This living room is set up for his personal use.
Dining Hall
Next is the dining hall specially designed to seat more guests at the same time. Number 10 Downing House is the largest dining hall. 65 people can sit and eat here at the same time.
The two huge kitchens are 14 feet long for cooking for the Prime Minister’s family and guests. Apart from this, a separate dining hall is also set up for breakfast in the morning.
Floor Park
A garden and park of half an acre length has been laid upstairs to connect the houses to 10 and 11 Downing Street. This terraced park was established in the year 1736 and is being maintained till date.
House No. 10 has many features that reflect the past. Photographs, paintings, sculptures, chairs, tables, artefacts from many countries are decorated. The 250th anniversary of House No. 10 was celebrated in 1985.
Margaret Thatcher, who was then Prime Minister, gave a party to all the ministers and high officials in the Prime Minister’s Office. Christopher Jones wrote and published a book titled No. 10 Downing Street about House No. 10, its special features, traditions and history.
Cabinet Office
The Prime Minister’s Office is located at Number 10 Downing House. There are separate offices for all the officials related to the Prime Minister’s Office, including the Prime Minister’s Office officials, senior officials, advisers, and the Principal Secretary. Number 10 is commonly known as Cabinet Office.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is going to settle in this number 10 Downing House.
Last Updated Oct 28, 2022, 4:57 PM IST