Downing Street – the focal point of international political arena

Stretching from the Whitehall artery at Westminster in London is one of the most famous streets in the world, Downing Street of England. For more than two centuries this renowned street has nestled the official residences of the most senior British officials, the First Lord of Treasury and the Second Lord of Treasury. The First Lord of Treasury with time evolved as the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, while the Second Lord of Treasury evolved as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Downing Street was built in 1680s by Sir George Downing, who served as a diplomat and a soldier during the times of Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II. He was granted with a plot of land next to the Sir James' Park in return for his years of service. This was the site where he built Downing Street, flanked by a line of houses. Presently, the most famous residence of this street is Number 10 Downing Street, the official residence occupied by the British Premier. In 1732, George II bestowed this Number 10 residence as a gift to Sir Robert Walpole. However it was in 1735 that Sir Robert Walpole occupied the house, as the official residence of the First Lord of Treasury. Housed within a modest brick building, it features the iconic black door embedded with a white number 10. The brick walls were painted in yellow in the olden times but later were painted in black. In addition to housing the premier's apartment, currently Number 10 building accommodates the State Dining Room to entertain official guests, and the Cabinet Room besides government offices. The tastefully designed Cabinet Room is where the premier holds Cabinet meetings. The other buildings in Downing Street are numbered from 9 to 20, where it contains the office and official residence of Chief Whip, official residence of Chancellor of the Exchequer while others were assigned as foreign offices. In the past Downing Street used to be open to public. However at present it has levelled up its security measures with armed police officers, barriers, checkpoints and a pair of imposing black gates. With its historical and political value, Downing Street is a must visit for any traveller to London. They can find convenient accommodation at one of the