10 downing street press office phone number

10 downing street press office phone number

At considerable expense, Buckingham rebuilt the house. In the reconstruction during the late 1980s, Quinlan Terry used Corinthian columns and added ornate Baroque-style central ceiling mouldings and corner mouldings of the four national flowers of the United Kingdom: rose (England), thistle (Scotland), daffodil (Wales) and shamrock (Northern Ireland). Lastly, Google made this crystal-clear 360-degree virtual tour of some of the rooms in 10 Downing Street. [125], With its flat unadorned ceiling, simple mouldings and deep window seats, the Small Dining Room is intimate and comfortable. As part of the renovations begun in 1783, it was extended, giving the space its modern appearance. Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragette leaders stormed Downing Street in 1908;[73] anti-Vietnam War protestors marched there in the 1960s, as did anti-Iraq War protestors in 2005. This became the subject of public controversy, and an Electoral Commission inquiry took place into the financing of the refurbishment. 10, Downing Street: elevation and general view, "PM's aide Cummings calls for civil service changes", "One big appointment coming today - Dominic Cummings expected to be senior advisor to the new PM - Vote Leave chief moving into govt - huge brain and experienced in govt, and will be applauded by Brexiteers - highly controversial too", "Johnson adviser's housing role highlights lack of transparency", "Sir Edward Lister resigns as Homes England Chair", "Boris Johnson appoints new chief of staff after Cummings exit", "Boris Johnson picks No 10 official to be head of UK civil service". In 1782 the Board of Works reporting on "the dangerous state of the old part of the House", stated that "no time be lost in taking down said building". In 1997, the building was remodelled to provide extra space for the prime minister's greatly increased staff. Painted off-white with large floor to ceiling windows along one of the long walls, the room is light and airy. The original door can be seen by the public it is on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. Soane was the guest of honour when the dining room was first used on 4 April 1826. Plans of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street (published 1931): This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 14:14. The new warrant issued in 1682 reads: "Sir George Downing [is authorised] to build new and more houses subject to the proviso that it be not built any nearer than 14feet of the wall of the said Park at the West end thereof". I had called them asking if they could add a toner to my hair over the phone . The Modern Cabinet Room: Two photographs taken by Prime Minister. The building itself is made up of over 100 hundred rooms only part of which is actually residential. A few peers lived in Number 10 out of necessity. Lord North, who conducted the war against the American Revolution, lived there happily with his family from 1767 to 1782. [61][62] (See Numbers 10, 11, and 12 Downing Street First Floor Plan[63] and Ground Floor Plan. The Press Secretary works within the Prime Minister's Office and the Downing Street Press Office.. History. The huge . [46], One reason many First Lords chose not to live in Number 10 was that most owned London town houses superior in size and quality. These rooms are all in constant usage - Foreign dignitaries are entertained here and the Prime Minister and his government base the majority of their work at Number 10. 10, Downing Street: entrance hall and drawing room, Plate 124: No. The First Lord's new, albeit temporary, home had sixty rooms, with hardwood and marble floors, crown moulding, elegant pillars and marble mantelpieces; those on the west side with views of St James's Park. Prone to sinking because it was built on soft soil and a shallow foundation, floors buckled and walls and chimneys cracked. [19][20], From that time, the "House at the Back" was usually occupied by members of the royal family or the government. [77], The architect Raymond Erith carried out the design for this painstaking work[78] and the contractor that undertook it was John Mowlem & Co.[79]The Times reported initially that the cost for the project would be 400,000. Regardless of this fact, a portrait of him still hangs in the entrance foyer of Number 10 Downing Street. [83], When builders examined the exterior faade, they discovered that the black colour visible even in photographs from the mid-19th century was misleading; the bricks were actually yellow. "Under (Prime Minister) Blair . In a piece of "blatant political corruption", he allowed his son-in-law. To build it, Soane removed the chimney from the kitchen to put a door in the room. (See Kent's Treasury and No. Open now : 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM. The building hosts offices, conference, dining, and sitting rooms. The Treasury agreed and a complex accounting procedure was developed whereby the outgoing prime minister was required to pay for "wear and tear" on furnishings that had been purchased by the Treasury. Black and white engravings and photographs of all the past prime ministers decorate the wall. the locked door, symbolically and physically dividing No. You can also try our GPS-enabled anytime audio tourwhich includes a stop at Downing Street. [2] Along with the adjoining Cabinet Office at 70 Whitehall, it is the headquarters of the Government of the . [157] These redecorations may reflect both individual taste as well as make a political statement. 2 stars. [163], The Prime Minister's Office, for which the terms Downing Street and Number 10 are metonymous, lies within the 10 Downing Street building and is part of the Cabinet Office. By the 1800s the houses had nearly all been taken over by the government. Jones, in letter from Margaret Thatcher used as a preface to the book. [40], Walpole did not enter through the now-famous door; that would not be installed until forty years later. There have been a few exceptions. John Major announced his 1997 resignation as leader of the Conservative Party in the garden. About half belong to the Government Art Collection. There are plenty of other significant London sites within walking distance of Downing Street. One of the most striking and unusual is the already mentioned Chippendale hooded guard's chair that sits in a corner of the entrance hall. Three brass chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. That the First Lord of the Treasury occupies it if he thinks proper. View Company Not the person you were looking for? Letters patent issued in April 1736 state that: "a piece of garden ground situated in his Majesty's park of St James's, & belonging & adjoining to the house now inhabited by the Right Honourable the Chancellor of His Majesty's Exchequer, hath been lately made & fitted up at the Charge of the Crown". Downing planned to build a row of terraced town houses "for persons of good quality to inhabit in"[9] The street on which he built them now bears his name, and the largest became part of Number 10 Downing Street. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. [26], However, there have been numerous times when prime ministers have unofficially lived elsewhere out of necessity or preference. BOOK ONLINE Reserve a Spot on a Guided Walking Tour Now! A similar number are employed in the equivalent operation in the Cabinet . The No. Nassau, who Anglicised his name to "Overkirk", lived there until his death in 1708. 10 Downing Street. He had the Government Art Collection loan pieces. [123]), The largest is the Pillared Room thought to have been created in 1796 by Taylor. [136][150] (See North elevation of Number 10 with steps leading to the garden[151])[152] The terrace and garden have provided a casual setting for many gatherings of First Lords with foreign dignitaries, Cabinet ministers, guests, and staff. A new foundation with deep pilings would be laid and the original buildings reassembled on top of it, allowing for much needed expansion and modernisation. 9. The freedom fighters could see their leader had been received in the prime minister's home. [37] This small house and the mansion at the back were then incorporated into Number 10. The Morning Herald fumed about the expense: "500pounds p.a. With or without the prime minister present, visitors had their picture taken. Dear Prime Minister's Office, I am making a request about the Downing Street Press Office, please answer/supply the following: 1) Who runs the Downing Street Press Office? (See the three state drawing rooms. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. [6][7][8] In 1654, he purchased the lease on land south of St James's Park, adjacent to the House at the Back within walking distance of parliament. Suffragettes posed in front of the door when they petitioned H. H. Asquith for women's rights in 1913, a picture that became famous and was circulated around the world. (1) To get a quick photo-op of 10 Downing Street, you can take the #11 bus, and sit on the top deck of the doubledecker. The contact . [148])[149], The terrace and garden were constructed in 1736 shortly after Walpole moved into Number 10. He also introduced several paintings by John Constable and J. M. W. Turner, Britain's two best known 19th-century artists, and cricketing paintings by Archibald Stuart-Wortley including a portrait of one of England's most celebrated batsmen W. G. This arrangement began to change in 1877 when Benjamin Disraeli took up residency. Large, shiny, and black and bearing 10 in large brass numbers, the door is most likely one of the most photographed in the world! He originally intended that the street should be full of fine townhouses designed specifically for persons of good quality to inhabit in. This system was used until November 1897 when the Treasury assumed responsibility for purchasing and maintaining almost all of the furnishings in both the public and private areas except decorating the walls with art work. They are rearranged slightly to make room for a photograph of each new Prime Minister. Many rooms and sections of the new building were reconstructed exactly as they were in the old Number 10. Phone number (604) 536-3353. In 1991, member of the IRA had attacked 10 Downing Street with homemade mortar shells, in hopes of killing or severely injuring Sir John Major, then-Prime Minster of the UK. [80] In the end, the cost was close to 3,000,000 and took almost three years due in large part to 14 labour strikes. Prague [105][106] At the bottom of the staircase are group photographs of Prime Ministers with their Cabinet ministers and representatives to imperial conferences. [136] Celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson have cooked for Prime Ministers' guests using the small kitchen next door. The Ministry of Works has insisted on economy after economy. (See the State Dining room with the Silver Trust Silver in use for a luncheon[135]) Above the fireplace, overlooking the room, is a massive portrait by John Shackleton of George II, the king who originally gave the building to the First Lord of the Treasury in 1732. [102], Couse also added a bow front to the small cottageformerly Mr Chicken's houseincorporated into Number 10 in Walpole's time. The black appearance was the product of two centuries of pollution. [24] (See Plan of the Premises Granted to the Earl and Countess of Lichfield in 1677)[25][26] The likely reason that repair was required is that the house had settled in the swampy ground near the Thames, causing structural damage. The attack led to the addition of guardhouses at the street ends as well as other less visible measures to further improve security of Downing Street. [67] Harold Wilson, during his second ministry from 1974 to 1976, lived in his home in Lord North Street because Mary Wilson wanted "a proper home". The Letterbox is Useless. 10 Political Office (party political liaison and constituency affairs). News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. This website uses cookies to improve your browsingexperience and analyze the use of the website. The Duke of Wellington, for example, grudgingly lived there for eighteen months between 1828 and 1830 because his own home, Apsley House, was undergoing extensive renovations. The Treasury agreed and a complex accounting procedure was developed whereby the outgoing Prime Minister was required to pay for "wear and tear" on furnishings that had been purchased by the Treasury. Socialising indoors with people. [40] Seldom seen by anyone other than staff, the space is two storeys high with a huge arched window and vaulted ceiling. Prime ministers come and go, but one resident of 10 Downing Street has no plans to leave any time soon. To celebrate, Thatcher hosted a grand dinner in the State Dining Room for her living predecessors: Harold Macmillan, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and James Callaghan. Along with the adjoining Cabinet Office at 70 Whitehall, it is the headquarters of the Government of the United Kingdom. The Press Secretary will address the lobby correspondents at 10 Downing Street to give journalists information on events attended by the Prime Minister, as well as current affairs in Downing Street and in Parliament. However, the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Wilson, overturned the idea. Pt3: The Dining Room", Plate 130: No. To reach 10 Downing Street by tube, it's best to reach it by either the Westminster or Charing Cross Station. A committee found that the money spent so far was insufficient. The office helps the Prime Minister to establish and deliver the governments overall strategy and policy priorities, and to communicate the governments policies to Parliament, the public and international audiences. [71] During World War II, Churchill was photographed many times emerging confidently from Number 10 holding up two fingers in the sign for "Victory". Pt4: The Staircase", "Plate 121: No. In March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson refurbished the residential apartment at Number 11. Measuring 37 feet (11m) long by 28 feet (8.5m) wide, it takes its name from the twin Ionic pilasters with straight pediments at one end. The staircase had sunk several inches; some steps were buckled and the balustrade was out of alignment. [94] (See The Entrance Door c1930: As seen from the outside)[95][96] The door cannot be opened from the outside; there is always someone inside to unlock the door. original source. [172] Several changes in staffing took place early in February 2022. In the summer of 1993 windows were rebuilt and in 1995 computer cables installed. The zero of the number "10" is painted in a very eccentric style, in a 37 angle anticlockwise. Rome [31], Johann Caspar von Bothmer, Premier Minister of the Electorate of Hanover, head of the German Chancery and adviser to George I and II, took up residency in 1720. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 10 Downing Street, London number10.gov.uk Joined March 2008. Although large, they were put up quickly and cheaply on soft soil with shallow foundations. [29] (See Buildings on the Site of the Cockpit and Number 10 Downing Street c1720)[26][30], The name of the "House at the Back" changed with the occupant, from Lichfield House to Overkirk House in 1690 to Bothmer House in 1720. Press office: responsible for relations with the media, Research and information unit: provides factual information to No. "[57] (See Plan of the Design for Number 10 c1781. In 1931, Mohandas Gandhi, wearing the traditional homespun dhoti, posed leaving Number 10 after meeting with Ramsay MacDonald to discuss India's independence. 's office, based at 10 Downing Street. He then surmounted the third storey of the house at the back with a pediment. $2 / month. See below for some tips on how to get the best view of the street and door. 10, Downing Street: Official Dining Room, Plate 131: No. preceding the Great Repair, and 11,000 the Great Repair itself! Tweets. [133], When Frederick Robinson (later Lord Goderich), became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1823, he decided to leave a personal legacy to the nation. Overall rating. Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in October 2022. Today, the closest visitors can get is standing on the edge of the street to peer through the permanent black metal gates. [158], In addition to outstanding artwork, Number 10 contains many exceptional pieces of furniture either owned by the house or on loan. The table is surrounded by carved, solid mahogany chairs that also date from the Gladstone era. Clickhere to get exact directions from your point of departure. The Cabinet Office press office only deals with enquiries from the media. During Thatcher's premiership, terrorist threats led to the implementation of a second level of security. [23], After Buckingham retired in 1676, Lady Charlotte Fitzroy, Charles II's daughter, moved in when she married Edward Lee, 1st Earl of Lichfield. [155] (See works from the Government Art Collection currently on display at Number 10[156]), About a dozen paintings are changed annually. Number 10 media team, 10 September 2020 - Uncategorized. "I am heart broken by the result," he said. To allow Walpole quicker access to Parliament, Kent closed the north side entrance from St James's Park, and made the door in Downing Street the main entrance. Sir Robert Walpole, with his Lady and Family, removed from their House in St James's Square, to his new House, adjoining to the Treasury in St James's Park". [146], Above Taylor's vaulted kitchen, between the Pillared Room and the State Dining room, Soane created a Smaller Dining Room (sometimes called the Breakfast Room) that still exists. George II took this opportunity to offer it to Robert Walpole, often called the first prime minister, as a gift for his services to the nation: stabilising its finances, keeping it at peace and securing the Hanoverian succession. Unlimited calls to the US and Canada with additional call minutes to 20 other countries within one bundle. V4A 3V2 10 Downing Street, the locale of British prime ministers since 1735, vies with the White House as being the most important political building anywhere in the world in the modern era. The fence rises above the step into a double-swirled archway, supporting an iron gas lamp surmounted by a crown. . The garden is dominated by a half-acre (0.2 ha) open lawn which wraps around Numbers 10 and 11 in an L-shape. Get Directions. ", "QI: Quite interesting facts about 10 Downing Street", Plate 126: No. You have rejected additional cookies. [28], The Lichfields followed James II into exile after the Glorious Revolution. Boston The small, six-panelled door, originally made of black oak, is surrounded by cream-coloured casing and adorned with a semicircular fanlight window. [84][85], Although the reconstruction was generally considered an architectural triumph, Erith was disappointed. 10 Downing Street 5.3K views4 months ago CC Leaders Visit 10 Downing Street Play all President Duda of Poland visits Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street 10 Downing. Lord North certainly occupied it during the two years he was Chancellor of the Exchequer only. The deterioration had been obvious for some time. [83] The "new" Number 10 consisted of about 60% new materials; the remaining 40% was either restored or replicas of originals. Upon Inquiry, however, it appeared that the House was attached to the Treasury as a Part of the Office. Click to get Helen Cook's email: h****k@cantab.net Role: Head of Prime Minister's Points of Light UK @ 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Please note, if you have a media query concerning the Prime Minister or media access to Downing Street - please call the press office for No10 Downing Street. Since 1990 when the Terry reconstruction was completed, repairing, redecorating, remodelling, and updating the house has been ongoing as needed. SW1A 2AS. 10 Downing Street? 4 stars. One of the largest rooms was a study measuring forty feet by twenty with enormous windows overlooking St James's Park. Having united the structures, Kent gutted and rebuilt the interior. Downing, a notorious spy for Oliver Cromwell and later Charles II, invested in property and acquired considerable wealth. These included: the garden floor, the door and entrance foyer, the stairway, the hallway to the Cabinet Room, the Cabinet Room, the garden and terrace, the Small and Large State Rooms and the three reception rooms. The introduction of films and television would strengthen this association. Blick, Andrew and Jones, George (2010). In 1800 the wealth he had accumulated was used to found Downing College, Cambridge, as had been his wish should his descendants fail in the male line. Read our post which compares these city passes to see if any are a good fit for you. [36], To enlarge the new house, Walpole persuaded Mr Chicken, the tenant of a cottage next door, to move to another house in Downing Street. Edward Heath borrowed French paintings from the National Gallery and was loaned two Renoirs from a private collector. 10, Downing Street | British History Online", Plate 111: No. Filter by rating. 10 Downing Street in London, also known colloquially in the United Kingdom as Number 10, is the official residence and executive office of the first lord of the treasury, usually, by convention, the prime minister of the United Kingdom. [47][48][49][50][51][note 1], Another reason for its unpopularity was that Number 10 was a hazardous place in which to live. Jones, p. 52. [137][138][139] (See Simon Schama's Tour of Downing Street. The White State Drawing Room contains examples of Adam furniture. However, it is sometimes used for other purposes that require a large open space. [75][76], In 1958, a committee under the chairmanship of the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres was appointed by Harold Macmillan to investigate the condition of the house and make recommendations. The houses deteriorated from neglect, became unsafe, and one by one were demolished. The result was a spacious mansion, lying parallel to Whitehall Palace with a view of St James Park from its garden. Until the late 19th century, Prime Ministers were required to furnish Number 10 at their own expense with furniture, tableware, china, linens, curtains and decorations. This was the pattern until the beginning of the 20th century. . As noted above, you cannot walk on Downing Street as a member of the general public. This structure can be seen today as the rear section of Number 10. From 2010 to 2012 and from May to September 2020, there was a Downing Street Permanent Secretary, held by Jeremy Heywood and Simon Case respectively, which ranked above the principal private Secretary to the prime minister. In 1787 Number 5 became "Number 10". There is one exception. As head of the Great Treasury Commission of 16671672, Albemarle transformed accounting methods and allowed the Crown greater control over expenses. You have accepted additional cookies. 2371. (See The State Dining Room c1930: View toward the entrance[141][142] and View from the entrance[143] and also a more modern view[144])[145], The great kitchen located in the basement was another part of the renovations begun in 1783, probably also under the direction of Robert Taylor. Please note, if you have a media query concerning the Prime Minister or media access to. 3) What is the phone number of the Downing Street Press Office? The original door was put on display in the Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. Robert Taylor, the architect who executed this concept, was knighted on its completion. An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasnt looked back since! At the entrance, a screen of two pairs of Corinthian columns was erected (to carry the extra span of the ceiling) supporting a moulded entablature that wraps around the room. [115] The resulting small space, framed by the pillars, serves as an anteroom to the larger area. Earls, Lords, and Countesses quickly moved into the prime real estate built here although it seems unlikely that Sir Downing himself ever actually resided on the street that holds his name. [70] This picture, too, became famous especially in India. He felt thatit was not right that the public should be prevented from walking down the street and taking photographs outside Number 10. The Ionic motif is also found in the door surrounds and panelling. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. This post covers tours of 10 Downing Street. We covered all issues in some detail, including the most difficult ones. 2. Larry the cat, whose officialtitle is Chief Mouser, has been living at 10 Downing Street since February 2011. 10, Downing Street: breakfast room and smaller drawing room, Plate 117: No. The previous year, Knevett had moved into a house next door, approximately where Number 10 is today. Due to bomb damage in 1940, the Treasury relocated to the Government Offices Great George Street. Kent joined the larger houses by building a two-storey structure between them, consisting of one long room on the ground floor and several above. Their possession of the house, albeit temporary, was a perquisite they could bestow as a political reward. At this time we are not able to respond to emails that do not fall into this category or are of a general nature.Please consider carefully whether your email is necessary and note that emails are not monitored throughout the day or at weekends. In addition to the large carpet previously described, the Pillared State Drawing Room also contains a marble-topped table by Kent. [74], By the middle of the 20th century, Number 10 was falling apart again. 9750 Clark Street, Montreal 514-271-7776. The doorbell is inscribed with "PUSH" although is rarely used in practice. That if he declined it, it would go to the next in the Commission, or it might possibly be disposed of by the Board to any Member or Officer of the Treasury; but could not, & never has been detached from it. 1 December 2021, when asked by Sir Keir Starmer if rules were broken: "All guidance was followed completely in No 10." 8 December 2021, when asked whether there was a party in Downing Street on 13 . 10 Downing Street in London Number 10 Downing Street is the residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 3 stars. In 1879 a fire destroyed the upper floors of Number 12; it was renovated but only as a single-storey structure. After more careful studies were completed, it was concluded that the "total cost was likely to be 1,250,000" and would take two years to complete. Here are some tips on how to get a good glimpse of the famous black door (and perhaps famous people as well). Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. [162], That same year, the Leisure Circle published Christopher Jones' book No. Since 1735, it has been home to the UK's prime ministers. This video below made for the 2012 Olympics, gives you a good look into the public rooms inside 10 Downing Street. [35] He proposedand the King agreedthat the Crown give the properties to the Office of First Lord of the Treasury. the British government; refers to location of Prime Minister's residence [Br. tips on how to get the best view of the street and door, Churchill Museum at the Cabinet War Rooms. A note from Lord North to the Office of Works, dated September 1774, asks that the work on the front of the house, "which was begun by a Warrant from the Treasury dated 9 August 1766",[54] should be finished. [34], Walpole did not accept the gift for himself. Dry rot was widespread throughout. [129][104][130] After the Apollo 11 lunar landing in July 1969, Harold Wilson hosted a reception in the room for astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, in addition to Cambridge scientist Francis Thomas Bacon, inventor of the alkaline fuel cell used to generate power for space capsules. [121] The only picture in the room is a copy of a portrait of Robert Walpole by Jean-Baptiste van Loo hanging over the fireplace. Most are on loan. [33], When Count Bothmer died, ownership of the "House at the Back" reverted to the Crown.

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