By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : Gordon Brown Wednesday became the 52nd individual to take over as Britain's prime minister, entering 10, Downing Street, a residence that has been the setting for some of history's greatest politicians and epochal moments.
As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Brown lived next door, in 11, Downing Street. He physically moves a short distance into 10, Downing Street, but he has had to wait for over 10 years to do this.
Britain's first prime minister was Sir Robert Walpole, who held office during 1721-42. According to the official history of 10, Downing Street, he is regarded as the first British prime minister, but Walpole would not have described himself as such.
"The title was originally a term of abuse, not status, and was not officially recognised until 1905. Walpole did, however, have many of the responsibilities and duties of the modern office of prime minister.
"He gave the position of chief political minister new authority by winning the support of both king and parliament. Walpole was also the first to live and work in 10 Downing Street. He was a large man, with a direct and earthy manner, a colourful personality and a brilliant mind."
When the Labour Party won the 1997 general election by a landslide, after 18 years in the opposition, at the age of 43, Tony Blair became the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812.
Britain's youngest prime minister, however, was Conservative William Pitt, who assumed office at the age of 24 from 1783-1801 and 1804-6.
The longest prime ministerial tenure has been that of Sir Robert Walpole, who held the office for 20 years and 314 days. The longest serving prime minister in contemporary era has been Margaret Thatcher, who held the office for 11 years and 209 days from 1979 to 1990.
Describing the tumultuous days that 10, Downing Street has seen over centuries, the official history says:
"Behind the quiet façade of this famous black door lie many secrets. Number 10 has been the setting for violent riots, passionate protest and surprising activities.
"It has been the nerve centre of the British government through two World Wars. Pioneering policies have been developed inside its walls and world-changing meetings have been chaired by Britain's greatest leaders.
"It is used as a busy office and workplace for the Prime Minister and the staff employed to support him in his role. Not least it is also home to the PM and his family.
"Downing Street began its association with the office of the prime minister in 1730. That the house is still being used today by Tony Blair is down to the refusal of first-ever PM Robert Walpole to accept the house as a personal gift. Instead he insisted it be used by future 'First Lords of the Treasury'.
"During its history the house has undergone major development to be turned into a grand residence fit for the most powerful politician in the country."
In February 2005, Tony Blair became the Labour Party's longest-serving prime minister, overtaking the combined length of Harold Wilson's two terms during the 1960s and 1970s.
With resignation on Wednesday, Margaret Thatcher continues to hold the record of the longest serving prime minister in contemporary times.