Chronology of the FCO and its Buildings
1253
The first official mention of a King's Secretary (John Maunsell) in the context of foreign affairs.
1479
John Shirwood, first resident English Ambassador, was appointed to Rome.
1505
On his appointment to Spain John Stile became the first English Ambassador resident at a secular court.
1640
Northern and Southern Departments created.
1782
Northern Department becomes Foreign Office, housed at Cleveland Row. Moves to the Cockpit, Whitehall, in 1786 and to Downing Street and Fludyer Street in 1793.
1794
'Colonial Office' becomes an accepted term following Henry Dundas's appointment as Secretary for War with nominal responsibility for the Colonies. Housed in Horse Guards, moves to 14 Downing Street in 1798 and to 13 Downing Street in 1827.
1801
Colonial Affairs became the responsibility of the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies and the name Colonial Office began to come into common use.
1839
Foreign Office and Colonial Office buildings condemned as unfit and unsafe by Report from Select Committee on Public Offices.
1854
Colonial Office separately constituted, when all remaining military business hived off.
1856
Introduction of a qualifying examination for FO and Diplomatic Service. Announcement of Open Competition for new offices on site between Parliament Street and St James's Park.
1858-60
George Gilbert Scott appointed architect of new Foreign Office but Lord Palmerston objects to his Gothic design and an Italian Palladian style prevails. India Office created and occupies old East India House in Leadenhall Street, and later, temporary accommodation in the Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street.
1867
New India Office completed.
1868
Foreign Office moves in to new building.
1875
New Colonial and Home Offices completed and open for business.
1880
Sir Joseph Crowe, the First Commercial attaché, was assigned to the Paris Embassy.
1902
India Office Courtyard the scene of some Coronation celebrations for King Edward VII, and renamed Durbar Court.
1905-6
Lansdowne reforms.
1917
Department of Overseas Trade formed.
1919
Commercial Diplomatic Service established within FO. Amalgamation of FO and Diplomatic Service.
1925
Dominions Office established, housed in the Colonial Office building. Foreign Office Reception Suite renamed the Locarno Suite following the signing of the Locarno Treaty in the largest of the three rooms.
1934
Economic Relations Section created within FO.
1943
Eden Reforms.
1947
Dominions Office became Commonwealth Relations Office. Colonial Office moves to Church House, Great Smith Street.
1964
Plowden Report on Representational Services Overseas. (Cmnd 2276).
1965
The present Diplomatic Service was formed from the merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Trade Commission Services.
1966
Colonial Office and Commonwealth Office merged, becoming Commonwealth Office, housed in Whitehall.
1968
The FCO established by the merger of the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office.
1969
Duncan Report (Cmnd 4107) recommended a reduction in the FCO's role.
1976-7
Review of the FCO by the Central Policy Review Staff.
1978
The United Kingdom's Overseas Representation (Cmnd 7038) published as the official response to this review. Foreign Office takes over newly vacated Home Office building.
1981
Ministerial decision to refurbish remainder of Scott's building (the Old Public Offices).
1987
Restoration of part of the India Office, including Durbar Court and the India Office Council Chamber completed.
1990
Additional areas of the India Office (including Muses Stair and Oval Room) restored, as well as a major part of the Foreign Office (including the Locarno Conference Room, the Grand Staircase and the Secretary of State's Room).
1992
Restoration of the Locarno Suite completed, together with the remainder of the Foreign Office Downing Street West building.
1997
Restoration and refurbishment of rest of the FCO building completed in January.
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