Sir Robert Walpole took up residence as Prime Minister in 1735 and wanted the design of Number 10 to match his status. He employed a famous architect of the day to renovate the crumbling building and many of his features, including the central staircase, still exist.
Portraits of every Prime Minister line the walls. They are hung in chronological order, with the most recent incumbents at the top, and group photographs from past Cabinets and Imperial Conferences at the bottom.
Interesting items
Grand Staircase
Many famous feet have trodden this grand staircase on the way to the staterooms. It was added when the house was redesigned for Robert Walpole in the 1700s and is built to an impressive cantilever design, with no visible supports.
Winston Churchill
The only Prime Minister with two portraits hanging on the staircase walls. The Yousef Karsh photo of Churchill is one of the most famous. It was a very long session, which was slowed down by Churchill’s continuous puffing on a cigar; eventually Karsh simply grabbed the cigar from his mouth and took the photo. This may explain Churchill’s grumpy look.
Robert Walpole
King George II made a gift of 10 Downing Street to Robert Walpole, where he became the first PM to live here in 1735. He still to this day holds the record for the longest serving Prime Minister, staying in office for more than 20 years.
William Ewart Gladstone
He was a father figure for the Liberal movement and passionately involved in the politics of Ireland and anti-slavery. Gladstone spent four separate terms as PM.
- Move on to the White Room
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