Foreign News: No. 10 Is Falling Down

The cost of repair was to run to at least £11,000—and that, as every sensible Londoner knew, would be only the beginning. "So much," fumed the Morning Herald on June 21, 1783, "has this extraordinary edifice cost the country—for one moiety of which sum, a much better dwelling might have been purchased." But in spite of all the fuss, the British went through with the "great repair," just as they had done before and were to do time and time again. For more than 200 years the house, now known as No. 10 Downing Street, has been one of the most...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!