No. 10: The Geography of Power at Downing Street

Behind the world’s most iconic front door lies the core of British political power: the Prime Minister’s home and office. Designed over three centuries ago as an ordinary residence, 10 Downing Street (or ‘No. 10’) has undergone a challenging metamorphosis, with continuous adaptation and renovation allowing successive occupants to make their mark on this evolving, surprising and in some places crumbling building.

No. 10’s first-ever Researcher in Residence, Jack Brown, has used unprecedented access to people and papers to uncover intimate stories of Downing Street’s post-war residents, staff and visitors, revealing how those in power have shaped the building – and been shaped by it in return.

This is a fascinating account of unexplored corners of one of the nation’s best-known buildings, from the minutiae of decoration and diplomacy to the drama of terrorist bombs and political bombshells.