Staircase
The staircase leading to the first floor landing is an ascent through the history of British politics. The walls of the staircase are covered with political cartoons, caricatures and engravings of past Chancellors of the Exchequer. It is a tradition that each Chancellor gets to choose the cartoon he wants to represent him.
Not all Chancellors have chosen to live in Number 11, just as some Prime Ministers have chosen not to live in Number 10, but all of the memorable holders of the office are represented here. Although Number 11 was not to become the Chancellor’s official residence until 1828, Lord Henry Petty was the first to live here during his few months in office in 1806 and 1807. Those Chancellors who have chosen to live “above the shop” have enjoyed a house which is not only part of the nation’s history, but also a comfortable and very distinctive home.
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11 Downing Street Index