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Prime Ministers Office
Number 10, as it is often known, is perhaps the most famous address in London and one of the most widely recognised houses in the world. The centre of the United Kingdom's government, it is the Prime Minister's home and place of work with offices for secretaries, assistants and advisors. There are also conference rooms and dining rooms where the Prime Minister meets and entertains other leaders and foreign dignitaries. The building is near the Palace of Westminster, the home of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, the residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
Number 10 was originally three houses. In 1732, King George II offered all three to Sir Robert Walpole in gratitude for his services to the nation. Walpole accepted but only on the condition that they would be a gift to the office of First Lord of the Treasury rather than to him personally. Walpole commissioned William Kent to join them together. It is this larger house that is known today as Number 10 Downing Street.
The arrangement was not an immediate success. Despite its impressive size and convenient location, few early Prime Ministers lived there. Costly to maintain, neglected, and run-down, Number 10 was close to being razed several times.
Nevertheless, Number 10 survived and became linked with many of the great statesmen and events in British history. Gradually, the people came to appreciate its historic value. In 1985, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said Number 10 had become "one of the most precious jewels in the national heritage"
