10 Downing Street is a famous address in London, England, that has been the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister since the early 18th century. It is located in the City of Westminster, close to the Houses of Parliament, and is named after its first occupant, Sir George Downing.

The history of 10 Downing Street dates back to the 17th century when it was built in 1682 by Sir George Downing, a soldier and diplomat who served under both Oliver Cromwell and Charles II. Downing was granted land by the king on which he built several houses, including one at what is now 10 Downing Street.

Originally, 10 Downing Street was used as a private residence for wealthy families. Over the years, it was occupied by various aristocrats, politicians, and civil servants. In 1732, it was purchased by the government of Prime Minister Robert Walpole, who used it as the official residence for the First Lord of the Treasury, the chief minister of the Crown.

Since then, 10 Downing Street has been the official residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Over the years, several modifications and renovations have been made to the building to accommodate the needs of the Prime Minister and their staff. The most significant of these was the addition of the famous black door in 1766, which replaced an earlier red door.

The black door has since become an iconic symbol of the British government and is often used as a backdrop for press conferences and photo opportunities. The door is made of reinforced steel and is designed to be resistant to forced entry. It is guarded by armed police officers who provide 24-hour security to the Prime Minister and their family.

Throughout its history, 10 Downing Street has been the site of numerous historic events and meetings. It was the location where Winston Churchill announced the end of World War II in Europe in 1945, and where Margaret Thatcher made her famous "handbagging" speeches in the 1980s.

Today, 10 Downing Street is not only the official residence of the Prime Minister but also serves as the headquarters of the British government. It houses several offices and meeting rooms, including the Cabinet Room, where the Prime Minister and their senior ministers meet to make important decisions.

As the first official resident of 10 Downing Street, Robert Walpole made significant changes to the building and its surroundings during his time in office as the First Lord of the Treasury.

One of the most notable changes Walpole made was to transform the street outside the building into a pedestrian-only area. This was done in order to improve security and provide a clear view of anyone approaching the building, as it was becoming increasingly important for the Prime Minister to have a secure residence in the heart of London.

Inside the building, Walpole made several renovations to make it a more comfortable and functional living and working space. He added a staircase to connect the ground and first floors, and installed a new fireplace in the dining room. He also commissioned a portrait of himself to hang in the building's entrance hall, which can still be seen today.

Walpole used 10 Downing Street as both his official residence and his office, and it soon became a center of political activity in London. He hosted many important meetings and negotiations at the building, including discussions with foreign ambassadors and meetings with his Cabinet.

Despite the historical significance of his time in 10 Downing Street, few records exist of Walpole's day-to-day life in the building. However, it is known that he entertained many guests there, including members of the royal family and prominent politicians of the time.

Overall, Robert Walpole's time in 10 Downing Street set the stage for the building's future as the official residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his contributions to British politics and government continue to be felt to this day.