Whitehall and Downing Street

Downing Street and the area known now as Whitehall, has long been the centre of government in London; ancient Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman settlements all used the area for their government functions, and as such it has been in use for this purpose for over 1,000 years. The modern Whitehall which is famed for government ministry buildings including the Home Office, Treasury and Ministry of Defence, was established on the site of the former Whitehall Palace, the residence of court until all but the banquet hall was destroyed by fire.

The most famous address in Whitehall is of course number 10 Downing Street the home of the Prime Minister. Downing Street was named after Sir George Downing, the second graduate from the newly formed Harvard College in America. Downing bought land near Whitehall Palace and built a number of houses in the area. Downing Street has been the official residence of the Prime minister since 1732, when George II gave the property to Robert Walpole. No. 10 is not only the home of the Prime Minister; it is also the location of the Cabinet Room and State Dining Room and official offices.

Until Margaret Thatcher was appointed Prime Minister, Downing Street was open to the public- it is now guarded by iron gates, though is visible from Whitehall.
Number 11 Downing Street is the residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and number 12 is the Whips Office. The black door of No. 10 guarded by a single police officer is one of the most enduring images of London.