Front door at 10 Downing Street
More information
Title
Front door at 10 Downing Street
Front door at 10 Downing Street
Reference
SC_PHL_01_465_A3565 (Collage 134294)
Date
Collection
London Metropolitan Archives: LCC Photograph Library
Description
Front door at 10 Downing Street, City of Westminster. The street was originally built in 1682 by Sir George Downing. A notorious spy for Oliver Cromwell and later Charles II, he invested in property and acquired considerable wealth. Originally three houses, Number 10 was offered to Sir Robert Walpole by King George II in 1732. He accepted on the condition that the gift was to the office of First Lord of the Treasury, a post held by the Prime Minister. Walpole commissioned William Kent to join the three houses, and this is what is known as 10 Downing Street. It has been the official residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735 and is Grade I listed, number 1210759. The entrance doorway has stone dressings with shaped consoles supporting a moulded head. An iron lamp surmounted by a crown rests on wrought-iron supports forming part of the railings to the front areas. The railings on each side of the entrance doorway finish with a ramp of scrollwork. The door itself is six-panelled and flush moulded, with a semi-circular fanlight having radiating bars, and with a lion's head iron knocker. A letter box is engraved with 'First Lord of the Treasury' are there are two boot scrapers on the step. In 1927 the Prime Minister was Conservative Stanley Baldwin.
Front door at 10 Downing Street, City of Westminster. The street was originally built in 1682 by Sir George Downing. A notorious spy for Oliver Cromwell and later Charles II, he invested in property and acquired considerable wealth. Originally three houses, Number 10 was offered to Sir Robert Walpole by King George II in 1732. He accepted on the condition that the gift was to the office of First Lord of the Treasury, a post held by the Prime Minister. Walpole commissioned William Kent to join the three houses, and this is what is known as 10 Downing Street. It has been the official residence of the British Prime Minister since 1735 and is Grade I listed, number 1210759. The entrance doorway has stone dressings with shaped consoles supporting a moulded head. An iron lamp surmounted by a crown rests on wrought-iron supports forming part of the railings to the front areas. The railings on each side of the entrance doorway finish with a ramp of scrollwork. The door itself is six-panelled and flush moulded, with a semi-circular fanlight having radiating bars, and with a lion's head iron knocker. A letter box is engraved with 'First Lord of the Treasury' are there are two boot scrapers on the step. In 1927 the Prime Minister was Conservative Stanley Baldwin.
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Attribution
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