AT THE State Opening of Parliament, the monarch gives a speech known as the King’s or Queen’s Speech.
An officer known as Black Rod plays an important role during the day’s events, but also has a number of other responsibilities.
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Who is the Black Bat?
The State Opening of Parliament involves the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the monarch.
It also includes a House of Lords official known as “Black Rod”.
The current Black Rod is Sarah Clarke.
She was appointed in November 2017 and is the first female Black Rod in the role’s 650-year history.
Clarke formally assumed duties as Black Rod’s Lady Usher in February 2018.
Before taking on the ceremonial role, she was Championships Director responsible for managing the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Other previous roles have included working on operations for the FA, Wembley Stadium and four Olympic Games.
What is the role of Black Rod?
According to the UK Parliament: ”Black Rod is a senior officer of the House of Lords, responsible for controlling access and maintaining order within the House and its surroundings.”
They report to the Secretary of Parliaments, who is generally responsible for the administration of the Chamber.
Black Rod’s parliamentary functions fall into two categories – administrative and ceremonial.
The role of the Black Stick
The Black Rod position consists of the following functions:
Administrative duties
Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Staff
- This is a Crown appointment, so you are responsible for organizing access and maintaining order within the House of Lords and grounds.
Secretary to the Lord Grand Chamberlain
- Appointed by the Lord Grand Chamberlain, Black Rod is responsible for and participates in major ceremonial events at the Palace of Westminster.
Black Rod is also responsible for the King’s residual assets in the Palace (e.g. the Dressing Room and the Royal Gallery).
Ceremonial duties
State Opening of Parliament
- Black Rod’s role in the State Opening of Parliament is one of the best-known images of Parliament.
- Black Rod is sent from the House of Lords to the House of Commons to summon the MPs to hear the King’s (or Queen’s) speech. Traditionally, the door to the House of Commons is slammed in Black Rod’s face to symbolize the independence of the House of Commons.
- He or she then knocks on the door three times with the stick. The door to the House of Commons is then opened and all the MPs – speaking loudly – follow Black Rod back to the House of Lords to hear the King’s speech.
What are the origins of Black Rod?
Black Rod – or, to give the full title, Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod – is a senior official in the House of Lords.
She or he is simultaneously Lady or Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod; Sergeant at Arms in the House of Lords; and Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain, explains Parliament.
The role originated as Usher of the Order of the Garter in the 14th century.
Letters Patent were issued in 1361 by King Edward II to create the Usher as a position at Court involved in meetings with Parliament.
However, in the 16th century the role evolved to become a position entirely associated with Parliament rather than the Royal Court.
Thus, Black Rod became the monarch’s representative in the House of Lords.
In the mid-19th century, Black Rod’s Cabinet was renovated.
There was a reduction in staff and a long-standing system of additional fees that supplemented Black Rod’s salary was abolished.
Uniform and rod
Black Rod’s uniform consists of black shoes with black buckles, silk socks, black pants, and a black coat.
The shaft is made of ebony.
The present stick dates from 1883 and is adorned with the heraldic motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pensa’, translated as ‘Shame on him who thinks evil’.
It is five feet long, decorated with a lion and a gold garter and a golden orb as a chivalric centerpiece.
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Why are they knocking on the door of the House of Commons?
During the State Opening of Parliament, after the King has taken his seat on the throne, he dispatches Black Rod to the House of Commons to summon the parliamentarians to hear his speech.
Traditionally, the door to the House of Commons is slammed in the Black Rod’s face to symbolize the independence of the House of Commons from the monarchy.
Black Rod then knocks on the door three times with the rod.
The MPs form pairs, led by the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, and proceed – in a turbulent manner, again to mark their independence – including Black Rod to the House of Lords court to hear the King’s Speech.
This custom dates back to 1641, when, as noted in the House of Commons Journal: “Mr. Maxwell, coming to the House, with a message, without his Black Rod; and entering, before he was called: exception was made for both.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
