Black Rod

Deep within the hallowed halls of parliaments around the world, a unique figure maintains order and upholds ancient traditions: the Black Rod. This enigmatic official, named for their distinctive ebony staff, plays a pivotal role in some of the most enduring state ceremonies. But who exactly is the Black Rod, and what hidden history does their ceremonial knock on a slammed door reveal? The Black Rod is a centuries-old parliamentary officer responsible for ceremonial protocol and maintaining order, most famously linked to the British State Opening of Parliament. The office's distinctive black ebony staff symbolizes authority, echoing ancient traditions of power across various cultures. While originating in the British House of Lords, the role has been adopted and adapted by many Commonwealth nations, showcasing its enduring significance.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Deep within the hallowed halls of parliaments around the world, a unique figure maintains order and upholds ancient traditions: the Black Rod. This enigmatic official, named for their distinctive ebony staff, plays a pivotal role in some of the most enduring state ceremonies. But who exactly is the Black Rod, and what hidden history does their ceremonial knock on a slammed door reveal?

Meet the Black Rod

The Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Black Rod, often simply called Black Rod, is a senior parliamentary officer. Think of them as a blend of a master of ceremonies and a guardian of parliamentary decorum, ensuring proceedings run smoothly and with due reverence.

This fascinating office originated in the 14th century within the British House of Lords. Its name, and indeed its authority, comes directly from the officer's primary symbol: an impressive staff made of polished ebony, typically topped with a golden lion.

A Timeless Symbol of Authority

Ceremonial rods and staffs have been potent symbols of authority for millennia. From the sceptres clutched by ancient kings to the fasces — bundles of rods carried by lictors in the Roman Republic — these objects have long represented power and order. The Black Rod's staff carries this same ancient lineage.

Beyond the Ceremony: Core Duties

While famed for ceremonial duties, Black Rod also holds significant responsibilities in maintaining order within the House of Lords and its surrounding precincts. They control access, ensure security, and are tasked with upholding the dignity of the legislative chamber. Historically, they even had the power to arrest individuals disrupting proceedings.

The Black Rod's appointment is a multi-faceted role, formally made by the Crown. Beyond their parliamentary duties, they also serve as an officer of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain's oldest and most senior order of chivalry, and act as Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain.

The Iconic Door Slam

Perhaps the most famous moment involving the Black Rod occurs during the annual State Opening of Parliament. This grand ceremony sees the monarch address both Houses of Parliament, and it's the Black Rod's duty to summon the Members of the House of Commons to attend the Sovereign's Speech.

But this isn't a simple invitation. As the Black Rod approaches the House of Commons chamber, the doors are deliberately and dramatically slammed shut in their face. It's a powerful, symbolic gesture—asserting the Commons' independence from the Crown.

Undeterred, the Black Rod then strikes the door three times with their ebony staff. Only then are they admitted, delivering the monarch's summons to the assembled Members of Parliament. This ritual underscores a fundamental principle of the British constitution.

Echoes of a Civil War

This unusual ritual dates back to 1642, when King Charles I stormed the House of Commons with armed guards, attempting to arrest five Members of Parliament. This unprecedented act was a profound breach of parliamentary privilege and contributed directly to the English Civil War.

Ever since, the House of Commons has maintained its right to control who enters its chamber. The slammed door serves as a constant reminder that even the monarch's representative cannot enter without the Commons' express permission, safeguarding their hard-won independence.

A Rainbow of Rods

While Black Rod is the most prominent, there are other 'Gentleman Ushers' linked to Britain's prestigious Orders of Chivalry, each distinguished by the colour of their staff. These roles are largely ceremonial, but each upholds ancient traditions.

Each coloured rod represents a specific order, showcasing the intricate tapestry of British ceremonial life.

Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod – Order of the Garter Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod – Order of the Thistle Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod – Order of the Bath Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod – Order of Saint Michael and Saint George Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod – Order of the British Empire

Black Rod Across the Commonwealth

The Westminster parliamentary system, originating in Britain, has been adopted by many nations. With it, the office of Black Rod has travelled the globe, becoming an integral part of parliamentary procedure in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands.

Australian Senate

In Australia, both the federal Senate and upper houses in several states have their own Usher of the Black Rod. They assist with administration and security, and possess the authority to take anyone causing a disturbance into custody, underscoring the practical side of the role.

Canadian Senate

Canada's Senate also features an Usher of the Black Rod, a role that became gender-neutral in 1997 with the appointment of the first female Black Rod. Several Canadian provincial legislatures have also incorporated this position into their parliamentary systems.

New Zealand's Ceremonial Relic

Even though New Zealand abolished its upper house, the Legislative Council, in 1951, the Usher of the Black Rod continues to perform the crucial task of summoning Members of Parliament for the Throne Speech. It's a non-full-time, yet deeply respected, ceremonial position.

The ceremonial black rod used in New Zealand is a truly unique artifact. Presented in 1931 by Governor-General Viscount Bledisloe, it's crafted from polished ebony, topped with a golden lion, and features a 1931 gold sovereign coin set into its base. Due to its fragility, a regular baton is now used for most official openings.

Cook Islands' Carved Heritage

In a touching blend of tradition and local culture, the Cook Islands adopted its own black rod in 2023. Carved from ancient 'mato' wood salvaged from a historic church, this new 'Te Mato Mana' connects the parliamentary ceremony with indigenous craftsmanship and heritage.

Historical Roles in Scotland and Ireland

Before the Acts of Union in 1707, Scotland had a 'Heritable Usher of the White Rod' in its Parliament, playing a similar ceremonial role. The Kingdom of Ireland also had its own Gentleman-Usher of the Black Rod, mirroring the English Parliament.

However, with the abolition of the Irish Parliament in 1800, that office largely faded. Similarly, when the Parliament of Northern Ireland was suspended and later abolished, its Black Rod's uniform and wand became museum pieces, with later devolved assemblies choosing to abandon such 'pomp'.

South Africa's Enduring Rod

South Africa's Senate had a Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod from its inception in 1910. When the Senate was restored in 1994, the position, renamed Usher of the Black Rod, returned with it, continuing to serve the National Council of Provinces, demonstrating the role's adaptability and lasting significance.

Article

Black Rod

The ceremonial rod used by the Black Rod of New Zealand

The Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Black Rod, often shortened to Black Rod, is a senior parliamentary officer similar to a serjeant-at-arms, responsible for ceremonial protocol and maintaining order within a legislative chamber. The role originated in the House of Lords of the Parliament of England during the 14th century, and was exported to the upper houses of other Westminster system legislatures. Besides the British House of Lords, the office now exists in Australia's federal and state upper houses, in Canada's federal upper house and some unicameral provincial houses, and for ceremonial purposes in New Zealand and the Cook Islands. The position is named after the staff of office carried by the official, a black rod. The Gentleman/Lady Usher often has a deputy called the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod.

Origin

Black Rod

The office was created in 1350 by royal letters patent, though the current title dates from 1522. The position was adopted by other members of the Commonwealth when they adopted the British Westminster system. The title is derived from the staff of office, an ebony staff topped with a golden lion, which is the main symbol of the office's authority.

A ceremonial rod or staff is a common symbol indicating the authority of the office holder. Depictions of ancient authority figures in many cultures include such a rod (alternatively called a sceptre). Another early example is the fasces (a bound bundle of rods) carried by guards ("lictors") who accompanied high-level officials in the Roman Republic and later Empire.

By country

Black Rod

Ushers of the Black Rod are typically responsible for arresting any senator or intruder who disrupts the proceedings.

Appointment

Black Rod is formally appointed by the Crown based on a recruitment search performed by the Clerk of the Parliaments (who is the employer of all House of Lords officials). As well as being an officer of the House of Lords, Black Rod is an officer of the Order of the Garter; they are appointed by letters patent under the Garter Seal. Black Rod also acts as Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain by virtue of which they oversee certain ceremonial arrangements and day-to-day management of the Royal parts of the Palace of Westminster. Black Rod also holds the office of Serjeant-at-Arms, to which they are separately appointed by letters patent under the Great Seal; it is in this capacity that Black Rod attends upon the Lord Speaker. Black Rod's deputy is the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms.

Since 8 July 2025, the post of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod has been held by Lieutenant General Edward Davis; he is the first Royal Marine to hold the post.

Official duties

Black Rod is principally responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House of Lords and its precincts, as well as for ceremonial events within those precincts. Previous responsibilities for security, and the buildings and services of the Palace of Westminster, have been passed, respectively, to the Parliamentary Security Director (as of the post's creation in January 2016) and Lords Director of Facilities (as of that post's creation and the retirement of the then-Black Rod in May 2009).

Black Rod's official duties also include responsibility as the usher and doorkeeper at meetings of the Most Noble Order of the Garter; the personal attendant of the Sovereign in the Lords; as secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain and as the Serjeant-at-Arms and Keeper of the Doors of the House, in charge of the admission of strangers to the House of Lords. Either Black Rod or their deputy, the Yeoman Usher, is required to be present when the House of Lords, the upper house of Parliament, is in session, and plays a role in the introduction of all new Lords Temporal in the House (but not of bishops as new Lords Spiritual). Black Rod also arrests any Lord guilty of breach of privilege or other Parliamentary offence, such as contempt or disorder, or the disturbance of the House's proceedings. Their equivalent in the House of Commons is the Serjeant at Arms.

Former Black Rod David Leakey said that 30% of his work as Black Rod was within or for the House of Commons.

Black Rod, along with their deputy, is responsible for organising ceremonial events within the Palace of Westminster, providing leadership in guiding the significant logistics of running such events.

Mace

Black Rod is in theory responsible for carrying the Mace into and out of the chamber for the Speaker of the House of Lords (formerly the Lord Chancellor, now the Lord Speaker), though this role is delegated to the Yeoman Usher and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, or on judicial occasions, to the Lord Speaker's deputy, the Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms.

State Opening of Parliament

Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod, knocks on the door to the House of Commons at the 2024 State Opening.

Black Rod is best known for their part in the ceremonies surrounding the State Opening of Parliament and the Speech from the throne. Black Rod summons the Commons to attend the speech and leads them to the Lords. As part of the ritual, the doors to the chamber of the House of Commons are slammed in the approaching Black Rod's face. This is to symbolise the Commons' independence of the Sovereign. Black Rod then strikes the door three times with their staff, and is then admitted and issues the summons of the monarch to attend.

This ritual also happens whenever the Lords have a commission to be read and Black Rod summons MPs to hear it. For example, on Tuesday 17 December 2019 this ritual happened twice.

This ritual is derived from the attempt by Charles I to arrest Five Members in 1642, in what was seen as a breach of the constitution. This and prior actions of the King led to the Civil War. After that incident, the House of Commons has maintained its right to question the right of the monarch's representatives to enter their chamber, although they cannot bar them from entering with lawful authority.

List of Black Rods in England, Great Britain and the UK from 1361

This list is derived from one published by the Parliamentary Archives in 2011, with alterations from later research.

List of Serjeants-at-Arms of the House of Lords

Technically the serjeant-at-arms was an officer of the Lord Chancellor (the former presiding officer of the House of Lords), rather than of the House of Lords. He was appointed by the Sovereign "to be Serjeant-at-Arms in Ordinary to Her [or His] Majesty" and "to attend the Right Honourable the Lord Chancellor, Lord Keeper or Lord Commissioner for the Great Seal of the Realm for the time being". He was appointed for life until 1713 and during good behaviour thereafter, originally receiving a daily remuneration and from 1806 an annual salary. The post was merged with that of Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod in 1962, and with that of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in 1971.

The following is a list of Serjeants-at-Arms to the Lord Chancellor since 1660:

Devolved assemblies

The Parliament of Northern Ireland was created in 1921, suspended in 1972, and abolished in 1973. The Senate of Northern Ireland, its upper house, had a Black Rod throughout its existence, who carried messages from the Senate to the House of Commons, and at the annual opening of Parliament summoned MPs and Senators to the foot of the "Imperial Staircase" in Parliament Buildings from where the Governor of Northern Ireland made the speech. The "Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod in attendance on the Senate of Northern Ireland" was also appointed "Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms in attendance on the House of Commons of Northern Ireland", and likewise the Commons Sergeant-at-Arms was Deputy Black Rod. Black Rod's wand, uniform, and sword are now part of the collection of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission. The wand is an ebony staff, 37 inches (940 mm) long, with silver gilt mounts dated London 1923. It was in storage in 2007, and on display in the First Ministers office in 2012. The first Black Rod was Sir Frederick Moneypenny, the Belfast City Chamberlain and Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor, who served on a provisional basis and took no salary. Later holders of the office were Major Thomas Dalby Hutcheson Hackett (1921–1954), Brigadier John Young Calwell (1954–1968), and Captain (RN) J. C. Cartwright (1969–1972).

The white paper leading to the 1973 Northern Ireland Assembly said it "should be modern in character and the pomp of English historical features such as Black Rod, Sergeants at Arms, etc., should be abandoned". Subsequent devolved legislatures (the 1998 Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament, and Welsh Senedd) have been unicameral and none has a Black Rod.

Australia

The Australian Senate and the upper houses in five Australian states and territories have their own Usher of the Black Rod. (Queensland abolished its upper house, and the assemblies of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have always been unicameral.)

The current Usher of the Black Rod for the Australian Senate is John Begley. In the Australian Senate, the Usher of the Black Rod assists with the administration and security of the Senate and has the power to take anyone into custody who causes a disturbance in or near the Senate chamber.

Canada

Kevin MacLeod, the former Canadian Usher of the Black Rod, stands in front of the 1878 Senate thrones

The Usher of the Black Rod for the Senate of Canada is the equivalent to the Black Rod office for the House of Lords. The position was also known as the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod until 1997, when the appointment of the first female Black Rod prompted the word gentleman to be dropped from the title.

The provincial legislatures of Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have also incorporated the position of the Black Rods into their respective parliamentary systems.

Cook Islands

In the Cook Islands the Usher of the Black Rod is the messenger of the King's Representative at the ceremonial opening of parliament.

In 2023, the Cook Islands adopted a black rod (Cook Islands Māori: Te Mato Mana) carved from mato wood salvaged from the gallery of the Ziona Tapu Church in Avarua. The black rod was designed by Tangata Vainerere, the clerk of the Cook Islands parliament, and carved by Wireless Tomokino. The piece of wood it was carved from is thought to be over 160 years old. It was first used at the ceremonial opening of the 18th parliament on 22 March 2023.

Ireland

In the Kingdom of Ireland, the Parliament of Ireland was modelled on the English Parliament. In the Irish House of Lords, "the gentleman ussher to the lord chauncellor" is mentioned in 1586, the "Gentleman-Usher" and "Yeoman-Usher" in 1634, and the "Gentleman-Usher of the Black-Rod" in 1646, when Black Rod disputed with the Keeper of the King's Robes as to which had the right to appoint the Yeoman Usher, and the Lords ruled that it should be Black Rod, because that was the case in England. Andrew Fountaine received £200 for attending the whole of the 1707 session, £50 more than "the last Gentleman-Usher attending but a Part of a Session". The post was in the gift of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and generally given at the start of a parliamentary session; these lasted several months and were initially held irregularly, later every two years, and finally every year. In 1765, the Marquess of Hertford moved from minister in France to viceroy in Dublin, and offered his secretary David Hume the post of Black Rod, suggesting that from the annual fees of £800–£900, he could employ a deputy for £300; Hume declined the offer. The Irish Black Rod became Usher of the Order of St Patrick upon its establishment in 1783. The Acts of Union 1800, in uniting Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, abolished the Irish Parliament and its House of Lords, but the Order of St Patrick continued, and so did the office of Black Rod/Usher. The holder in 1800, Thomas Lindsay, received £845 8s 11d compensation for the loss of income from Lords fees. With the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922, the Order of St Patrick fall into disuse and no Black Rod was appointed thereafter.

New Zealand

Usher of the Black Rod Sandra McKie at the State Opening of the New Zealand Parliament in 2023

In New Zealand, where the Legislative Council was abolished in 1951, the Usher of the Black Rod continues to summon MPs to the chamber for the Throne Speech. It is not a full-time position.

Arthur Bothamley was the first person to hold the role; he was usher of the black rod for 45 years from 1892 until August 1937. In September 1937, he was succeeded by Captain Douglas Bryan, who retired in June 1957. John Everitt Seal took over from Bryan in June 1957 and held the role until his death on 1 November 1964. Alexander John Mackay Manson was appointed in May 1965 to succeed Seal in time for the opening of the second term of the 34th New Zealand Parliament later that month. Manson retired in June 1971. In May 1972, Melville Harvey Scott Innes-Jones was appointed to succeed Manson. Innes-Jones retired in 1991.

William Nathan, appointed in 1993, was the first Māori Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. Colonel Nathan retired in 2005, and was followed by David Baguley. David Williams was appointed as the acting Usher of the Black Rod in 2017 for the opening of the 52nd New Zealand Parliament. Sandra McKie was appointed to act in the role in 2020 for the opening of the 53rd Parliament, the first woman to hold the position. McKie was permanently appointed to the role effective from 17 October 2022, following the formal retirement of Baguley.

The ceremonial black rod was presented to Parliament by Governor-General Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe in January, 1931. Made of polished black ebony, it is topped by a golden lion rampant holding a shield bearing the royal cypher of King George V and has a 1931 gold sovereign set in its base. Due to the fragility of the original 1931 black rod, a regular black baton acting as a black rod is now used during the official openings of Parliament.

• The ceremonial black rod of New Zealand in a case • Detail of the top of the ceremonial black rod • Inscription on the base of the ceremonial black rod

South Africa

The Senate of South Africa had a Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod from its inception in 1910 to abolition in 1980. When the Senate was restored in 1994 the renamed position of Usher of the Black Rod returned with it, continuing in the new National Council of Provinces.

Related ushers

Black Rod

Before the Acts of Union 1707 united the English and Scottish parliaments, there was a Heritable Usher of the White Rod who had a similar role in the Estates of Parliament in Scotland. This office is currently held by John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh, but the role carries no duties.

Gentleman ushers exist for all the British orders of chivalry, and are coloured as follows:

• The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod – Most Noble Order of the Garter • The Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod – Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle • The Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod – Most Honourable Order of the Bath • The Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod – Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George • The Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod – Most Excellent Order of the British Empire