Editing 10 Downing Street (section)

== Security after the 1991 bombing ==
{{Main|Downing Street mortar attack}}
[[File:Downing Street gates.jpg|thumb|Gates at the main entrance of Downing Street]]
For most of its history, Number 10 was accessible to the public. Early security consisted of two police officers: one stood guard outside the door; the other was stationed inside to open it. Since the door had no keyhole, the inside officer depended upon the lone outside officer. During Thatcher's premiership, terrorist threats led to the implementation of a second level of security. Despite the added measure, on 7 February 1991, the [[Provisional IRA]] used a van they parked in [[Whitehall]] to launch a [[mortar shell]] at Number 10. It exploded in the back garden, while Prime Minister [[John Major]] was holding a Cabinet meeting. Major moved to [[Admiralty House, London|Admiralty House]] while repairs were being completed. The attack led to the famous black door being replaced with a new blast-proof door and the addition of guardhouses at the street ends as well as other less visible measures to further improve security of Downing Street.{{sfn|Seldon|1999|p=37}}