The History of 10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street is one of the UK’s most famous- or, depending on how you look at it- infamous addresses…

In this video, we’ll be looking at the history behind Downing Street, including what existed before its creation, the life of the notorious George Downing (after who the street’s named), and how Number 10 came to find itself at the centre of British politics.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
01:08 Beer & Cock Fighting
02:44 The Dreadful George Downing
06:55 Built on the Cheap
08:57 Mr Chicken & Number 5
10:10 Handing the Keys to Government
12:01 The Hellfire Club
14:00 Expanding Number Ten
16:29 Turbulent Times
20:38 Downing Street Today
22:30 Outro

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Credits:

Music used in this video:

With Shot and Shell (Creative Commons)

Teller or the Tales (Kevin Macleod)

The Colonel (Zachariah Hickman)

Medieval War Drums (Der Wikinger)

Baroque Coffee House (Doug Maxwell, Media Right Productions)

Dance For Wind Trio (Sir Cubworth)

If I Had a Chicken (Kevin MacLeod)

Baila Mi Cumbia (Jimmy Fontánez, Media Right Productions)

Book Bag (E’s Jammy Jams)

Images:

10 Downing Street Image: Number 10 Flicker Account (Creative Commons)

Downing Street Garden Image: Number 10 Flicker Account, Creative Commons

Green door image by Rachel Lordan
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[jonathanscott]

I also just went down Downing Street as child, chatted the copper, and had his permission to touch the door of number 10. In 1966 aged 13, I could just wander into the hotels of the French and German national football teams, there for the World Cup, and attempt (language problems) to chat with the players. I still have the program with many of their autographs. My point being, just how much has changed from those days and now. Security was not really considered necessary then.

[WhiteIkiryo-ytit]

I honestly love how modest it is compared to other nation's central addresses.

[ursulacosta]

In the 60’s my Dad painted the door at 10 Downing Street. He said it took him forever to finish the job, because all of the tourists wanted to take his photo while facing the cameras, which he was more than happy to oblige. 📸

[beko]

I've been inside downing street and sat in that hooded chair! Was the mid 90s, my dad and me were called to collect some paperwork for my grandfather and we went inside no 10 and I remember sitting in the chair! There s photos of it too, my mums had it up on a wall since that day. Probably wouldn't happen now 😂 Nice video 👍

[mandynewey]

Thanks Rob, very interesting. When a child in the 60's I did see Downing Street on a family visit to London from Hampshire. I'm afraid I'm a Winston fan because of his efforts during the war.

[stephenlongthorpe]

Thanks for another enjoyable and educational representation of our capital's rich history. You are a true ambassador to the capital city. I have loved every one so far.👍

[NigelWooding]

On 04 May 1979, I was in the crowd in front of No10 to see Thatcher take office and hear her Assisi speech!
Great feature on Downing St, Rob

[charlesarmstrong]

Another excellent tour of your famous city and one of its iconic addresses. Thank`s so much.

[RealityInk]

I'm in Toronto but I remember when I was a teen on a school tour to Europe we walked along Downing street. Kind of sad it has to be blocked off like that. I'm sure its safer though. I love the fact that the Downing street cat has a longer and more assured tenure than any given politician who lives there.

[larrystevens]

During all my visits to London, I’ve always been distracted by the magnificent beauty of the Banqueting Hall across the street from 10 Downing Street. This video made me aware of another London historical site by a well composed history version.
Thank you, hope you’ll walk across the street & make documentary the history of the Banqueting Hall. A true National Treasure.

[cossie]

When I was a kid I remember walking straight through Downing Street, from Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade!! There was just a solitary copper stood at the door, and you could stop and have a chat with him and he wouldn’t just tell you to bugger off!!!
How times have changed!!!

[PurpleTT]

Very well researched and illustrated vid Rob, thanks. I had a meeting in number 10 in 2015, just part of a group making representations to a govt working party, nothing fancy. I was struck by how scruffy and outdated the parts I saw were. The pics you sourced with the yellow walls looked fantastic - the insipid washed out blues and greens with yellowing gloss work I saw were nothing like that! As you enter Downing Street there's an airport security style process, in an old wooden hut near the railings. 30s job and you're through, surprisingly low tech. Once through the door, we had to leave our mobiles in a wooden pigeon hole structure in the reception area before going through into our meeting room. I was allowed to walk up the stairway with all the portraits, we weren't going that way, but we were asked if we wanted to quickly do it - be rude not to! Thanks again.

[casanovamacbeth]

Great video. Very insightful. The history of the power station is incredible. It’s somewhat depressing that it had to become a shopping centre and luxury flats, but the redevelopment is beautiful. It’s been done so well.

[bookmouse]

It was complete when you mentioned the chief mousers. 😻

[honorsilverthorne]

I've just discovered your videos. I visited the UK in 1988, staying mostly in London but also venturing into the countryside and Cardiff, Wales. My dad and I are both Anglophiles and we love history. I find your videos interesting and entertaining. ❤
Love from North Carolina, USA. 🩵💙

[mewsli]

Rob, loving the videos about our capital city and its environs. They are a welcome distraction from insomnia, general malaise and my danged cat ( who loves to wake up earlier each day, often before the birds! )

[jonathangribble]

You are a pleasure to listen to Rob, nice smooth voice, perfect for delivering interesting history.

[DanielWright-npfq]

Thank you so very much for this delightful tour through your history. You all have such a rich heritage and must be very proud.

[alicejackson]

That was brilliant! This was something I'd meant to research - and there it all was, done for me. And so well presented. Thank you.

[iainsan]

An excellent and amusing documentary, as always, Rob. Well done. I always enjoy and learn things from your output. I remember having my photograph taken standing in front of Number 10 in the late 1960s. It's a sad reflection on our times that we can no longer walk past it.