Traditionally, number 10 Downing Street is occupied by the Prime Minister in his or her capacity as First Lord of the Treasury.

No. 10 Downing Street was offered as a personal gift to Sir Robert Walpole by King George II. Walpole refused to accept it personally but agreed to receive it in his official capacity as First Lord of the Treasury and first took up residence in 1735.

Number 11 is traditionally the residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Most subsequent holders of this office have lived at Downing Street, although a number of nineteenth century prime ministers chose to live in their own homes. A small number were not First Lord of the Treasury, and so were not entitled to live in Downing Street.

Harold Wilson and John Major both lived in Admiralty House for a time. During part of Harold Wilson's (1964-1970 and 1974-1976) time in office, no. 10 Downing Street underwent major structural renovation involving total rebuilding. John Major (1990-1997) moved out in the aftermath of an Provisional IRA mortar attack on the building, while repairs took place.

Following the Labour landslide victory in 1997, Prime Minister Tony Blair exchanged residences with Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as he had four children and the flat at no.11 is larger and Gordon Brown was unmarried at the time.

Bibliography Discuss this Page Hits on this Page Legals Links Locally People

Time-Line

This time-line has been generated for this page from our general time-line which you can view by clicking here or on the dates in the left-hand column. To view links to related pages, click here

1735		Sir Robert Walpole takes up residence at no. 10 Downing Street in his capacity as First Lord of the Treasury
	BAAAGEFE

Year   Word/Phrase  BY SUBJECTArts & LiteratureBiographyDisastersEconomicsPoliticsReligionScienceSportsTechnology