THE ceremonial State Opening of Parliament is replete with eye-wateringly expensive and occasionally bemusing pageantry.
However, it is the figure of Black Rod which perhaps most exemplifies the archaic nature of the customs in the UK Parliament.
What is a Black Rod?
The role of Usher of the Black Rod of the House of Lords was created in the 14th century.
They are responsible for controlling access to and ensuring that order is maintained within the House of Lords.
However, they also have a ceremonial as well as an administrative role within the functioning of the UK Parliament.
Why are they important?
During the State Opening of Parliament, after the monarch has taken their seat on the throne, the serving Black Rod is sent from the Lords Chamber to the Commons Chamber in order to summon MPs to hear the King’s Speech.
When they arrive at the debating chamber in the House of Commons the door is slammed in their face – an act meant to symbolise the independence of the Commons.
Using an ebony rod they then bang three times on the door before being allowed to enter and invite MPs to hear the monarch’s speech.
After pairing up MPs then follow Black Rod back to the House of Lords in a traditionally boisterous manner (which, again, is meant to signal MPs independence).
This custom has been dated back to 1641 when a serving Black Rod entered the Lords without his rod and before being called in.
MPs took exception to this behaviour and thus instituted the tradition which highlights the Commons independence from both the monarchy and the House of Lords.
Who is the current Black Rod?
In 2018, Sarah Clarke – an operations specialist – took up the role of Lady Usher of the Black Rod.
She is the first woman to hold the role in its more than 650-year history.
She heads a team of up to 30 people responsible for both front of house care of the visiting public and the day-to-day running of sittings in the House of Lords.
Her salary is thought to be around £93,000 per year.
What’s with the uniform?
The ceremonial uniform consists of black shoes with black buckles, silk stockings, black breeches, a black coat and, of course, a black rod.
The current rod dates back to 1883 and is inscribed with a heraldic motto in French.
“Honi soit qui mal y pense’ translates to ‘Shame be to him, who evil thinks’.
The rod is three and half feet long and is decorated with a gold lion with a gold orb as a centrepiece.
