10 Downing Street

*Includes pictures

*Includes contemporary descriptions of Number 10

*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading "I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government an official note stating that unless we heard from them by eleven o'clock, that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and consequently this country is at war with Germany." - Neville Chamberlain

"Ten Downing Street is a house, not an office. That is its most important characteristic." - Douglas Hurd

Throughout the world, there are centers of power and law that also serve as homes for families, sometimes just one, sometimes several. In the United States, the White House is both a residence and an office, and the same is true of a number of palaces around the world. In London, much of the United Kingdom's official business emanates from 10 Downing Street, often referred to simply as Number 10. In fact, "Number 10" has become synonymous with the voice of the government of the United Kingdom itself, much the same way America's presidential administration is often referred to as the White House.

As much as it is a center of power, 10 Downing Street is also a study in contradictions. Though known today as the home of the Prime Minister, for most of its history it has housed other high ranking government offices. Seen as a symbol of stability, it has often been physically the opposite; originally built in a swamp on a sandy foundation, it was shorn up again and again for decades. In fact, its location and condition were often considered so bad that prior to 1900, only about half of the men offered the home chose to live there, and it was not until the latter half of the 20th century that the house was finally brought up to the most basic standards of modern building code.

10 Downing Street: The History and Legacy of the British Prime Minister's Official Residence examines the long and storied history of one of England's most famous landmarks. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about 10 Downing Street like never before.