10 Downing Street

Number 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister. Located just off Whitehall, it's a stone's throw away from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. The street was built in 1680 by property developer Sir George Downing. Behind the famous black door, Number 10 is actually made up of two houses joined together, a cheap terrace house at the front and a much grander building, overlooking Horse Guards Parade. Today the residence is an office for the Prime Minister, a meeting place for the Cabinet, a venue for state events and, in a private flat on the second floor, a home for the Prime Minister’s family. Traditionally, the adjacent property (Number 11) is the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Downing Street is closed to the public.