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22/09/1735 The first British "Prime Minister" lives at 10 Downing Street

3:32

Charlie gives an exclusive 'Olympic 2012' tour of 10 Downing Street

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Robert Walpole, The First British Prime Minister

George II offered this home to Walpole as a gift in 1732, but Walpole accepted it only as the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, taking up his residence there in 1735. His immediate successors did not always reside in Number 10 but the home has nevertheless become established as the official residence of the Prime Minister.
    • Essentials 

    • Personal 

    • Education and early business success 

    • Stanhope–Sunderland ministry 

    • Rise to power 

    • Premiership under George I 

    • Premiership under George II 

    • Opposition 

    • Support 

    • Decline 

    • Later years 

    • Legacy 

    • Catherine Shorter 

    • Maria Skerritt