10 Downing Street, Official residence and office of the UK prime minister in Westminster, London, United Kingdom
10 Downing Street is a Georgian terrace house in Westminster serving as the official residence of the Prime Minister, containing around 100 rooms distributed across several floors. The building combines working offices with meeting rooms and private living spaces under one roof.
King George II offered the house to Robert Walpole in 1732; Walpole accepted it for the office of First Lord of the Treasury rather than personally. Walpole had William Kent join three houses into one, and the house was occupied from 1735. It became the prime minister's permanent residence in 1902.
The black door with its brass knocker has become a familiar image that visitors from around the world photograph while police officers stand outside. Many people gather across the street to watch the entrance, especially on days with political events.
The street is not accessible to ordinary visitors, but the facade can be viewed clearly from Whitehall. The best vantage point is opposite at the fence, where photographers often gather.
The front door has no keyhole on the outside and can only be opened from within. Since 2011 the building has also been home to Larry, a cat holding the title Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
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