10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street is a residence in London, known for being the official home of the British Prime Minister. It’s often considered the heart of the British government, and also the home of some pretty interesting stories.
History
The building at 10 Downing Street was originally built in the 17th century, and served as the London residence of the First Lord of the Treasury (basically a fancy way of saying someone who was in charge of the country’s finances). It wasn’t until the 18th century that the Prime Minister moved in, and since then it’s become one of the most famous addresses in the world.
Notable Moments
Now, when you think of No. 10, you probably think of stuffy politicians, serious meetings and intense decision-making. But, believe it or not, some pretty silly stuff has gone down in that house over the years.
For example, when Winston Churchill was Prime Minister during World War II, he famously designated the basement of the building as the safest place to be during an air raid. He even had a bunk bed installed down there, just in case. And supposedly, he even used to wake up in the middle of the night to paint watercolors to help him relax.
And then there was the time that former Prime Minister Theresa May got stuck in the car during a visit with the German Chancellor. The car door wouldn’t open, and poor Theresa was left sitting inside for an awkward few seconds while everybody tried to figure out what to do.
Interesting Facts
It’s not just the history and the anecdotes that make No. 10 interesting, though. Here are a few fun facts that you might not know:
- There’s actually no No. 10 on Downing Street. The address jumps from No. 8 to No. 11, since the building was only designated as the official residence of the Prime Minister after it had been built.
- The front door of the building is always painted black, with a brass knocker and a lion’s head door knocker. Legend has it that the tradition started in mourning for the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.
- The Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office is a cat named Larry, who has the important job of keeping the No. 10 residence free of mice and other pests. Apparently, he was even appointed with an official title in 2012.
Conclusion
So, there you have it - a brief guide to one of the most famous residences in the world. Who knew that such a serious-looking building could have such a colorful history and so many quirky stories attached to it? Whether you’re interested in government, history, or just the bizarre things that human beings get up to, there’s something for everyone at 10 Downing Street.