|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Downing Street
|
|
(London SW1) Cul-de-sac off the west side of *Whitehall. Its fame derives from no. 10 being the official residence of the *prime minister. Indeed 'Downing Street' and 'No. 10' are used as synonyms for the prime minister's office.
The street was built in about 1680 by a member of parliament, George Downing (c.1623–84). In 1732 George II bought no. 10 and offered it as a gift to *Walpole, who was effectively the first prime minister. He accepted it not as his own but as linked with his office, and it has gone with it ever since.
|
|
|
|
In the early 19C the crown also acquired nos. 11 and 12, now respectively the residence of the *chancellor of the exchequer and the office of the chief *whip. (These are the only three houses which remain of the original street.) Until the recent dangers of IRA violence, the public had free access to Downing Street and children could even be photographed on the steps of No. 10. In 1989 the public was excluded even more firmly than before by the placing of heavy iron gates across the entrance from Whitehall.
|
|
|
|