However, the prime minister and his family are not the only residents of Downing Street.
Here’s who else lives on the famous street — and where the prime minister lives.
When was 10 Downing Street built?
A diplomat and Government administrator, Sir George Downing, built 10 Downing Street in 1684.
The area around Downing Street was already an esteemed Government centre 1,000 years ago.
A street cleaner sweeps the road outside 10 Downing Street, London, on July 4, 2024 — the day of the general election
PA Archive
Between 1682 and 1684, Downing pulled down the existing properties of the street and replaced them with 15 to 20 terraced houses.
The Downing Street houses were poorly built to maximise profit and the original numbering differed from what we see today.
House numbers were unorganised and better known by the name or title of their occupants. Before 1779, Number 10 was known as Number 5.
Number 10 Downing Street was transformed in the late 19th century and early 20th century. During William Gladstone’s occupancy in 1884, electric lighting was fitted and the first telephones were installed.
Over the years, more changes and improvements were made to the house.
It has been the official residence of the prime minister of the UK since the early 19th century. The first prime minister to live there was Robert Walpole, who moved in around 1735.
Number 10 Downing Street serves three distinct roles.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak greets US President Joe Biden outside 10 Downing Street, London, before a meeting in October 2023
PA
Aside from being the prime minister’s official residence, it is his/her office where crucial governmental matters are addressed.
Additionally, Number 10 is where the prime minister hosts notable figures ranging from the late Queen Elizabeth II to presidents of the United States and other global leaders. Here, the prime minister hosts numerous receptions and events, including charitable gatherings, welcoming a diverse array of British and international guests.
How big is 10 Downing Street?
Number 10 Downing Street is a Georgian townhouse with several floors and rooms. The exact number of rooms can vary depending on the sources and the specific configurations through the years.
Generally, it is estimated to have around 100 rooms, which include living quarters, offices, meeting rooms, and other functional spaces. The layout and specific use of rooms can change with each prime minister and their requirements.
Number 10 is “much larger than it appears from its frontage,” according to Sir Anthony Seldon. He wrote about the history of the famous street for the Government’s official website.
Number 10 features “a warren of rooms and staircases,” joining to a spacious building behind it. It also connects to Number 12 via a corridor through Number 11.
However, the flat above Number 10 is much smaller than the neighbouring one at Number 11.
It’s important to note that access to detailed architectural plans or a precise room count is not publicly available due to security and privacy reasons associated with its role as a government building and private residence.
How many houses are there in Downing Street?
Four houses are in Downing Street: 9, 10, 11, and 12. Numbers 1-8 were demolished in the 19th century.
Where does the prime minister live?
It marked a return to the property for the family, who lived there while Mr Sunak served as chancellor of the exchequer under Boris Johnson.
Number 11 Downing Street is the official residence of the chancellor.
Mr Sunak and his family (pictured in Santa Monica in the US) moved into the flat above 10 Downing Street after he became prime minister in October 2022
AP
Mr Blair had three children and the chancellor at the time, Gordon Brown, had none, meaning they swapped so the family could take the bigger flat at Number 11.
Who else lives in Downing Street?
Number 12 Downing Street is officially the chief whip’s residence, though their offices are at Number 9.
Number 10 Downing Street is also the official residence of the chief mouser — better known as Larry the Cat. Larry has lived at Number 10 since 2011, after being “recruited” from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.