Number 10

I’ll begin with the official residence of the prime minister of the United Kingdom, obviously. British patriotism and all that. Now, Americans can laugh all they want at 10 Downing Street, and snigger at how pathetic it looks compared to the grand White House, but they should remember to respect their elders. Built between 1682 and 1684, Number 10, as it’s affectionately called in the UK, is more than 300 years old. That makes it more than 100 years older than the White House. It has been the official residence of the country’s leader since 1735.

And the modest-looking townhouse is just full of surprises.

First of all, looks can be totally deceiving. The property contains about 100 rooms, including several state drawing rooms and dining rooms, conference rooms, offices, and the cabinet room, as well as the family’s private apartment. (The cabinet room has nothing to do with closets. It’s where the cabinet, or senior government ministers, meet.) The huge kitchen is two stories high and the garden covers a sprawling half-acre.

Now let’s talk about the front door, shall we?

It is remarkable how one shiny black door can be so famous, instantly recognized by millions of people all over the world. But it wasn’t always black. Between 1908 and 1916, when Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister, the door was painted a dark green color, which apparently was a very trendy shade for front doors back then.

The door was originally made from black oak. When an IRA (Irish Republican Army) mortar shell exploded in the garden in 1991, a blast-proof steel door took its place of honor at the helm of the distinguished residence.

Here’s another surprise: besides for the Prime Minister, there is one other famous occupant. That’s Larry the Cat, also known as Larry, the Chief Mouser. Yes, he has an official title, and has been working at keeping rodents away since 2011. His side job is greeting guests. The brown-and-white tabby cat is one of the most famous felines in the country, and fans send him gifts daily.

Fun fact: Number 10 is actually the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury. Say what? I thought the prime minister lived there! Yup — they’re one and the same. Tony Blair was the first PM to move into Number 11, which is larger and was therefore more suitable for his family of four. And every prime minister since has lived there, too.

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 736)