After 669 years, Parliament’s first female Black Rod
A WOMAN is to serve as Parliament’s Black Rod for the first time in the role’s 669-year history.
The Queen yesterday formally approved the appointment of Wimbledon tennis director Sarah Clarke, 52, under the title The Lady Usher of the Black Rod. The largely ceremonial role in the House of Lords famously comes to prominence once a year on the day of the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The monarch has been banned from the House of Commons since doomed Charles I led a snatch squad to the chamber in 1642 to arrest five MPs – so instead Black Rod marches to the Commons on the Queen’s behalf. The doors are slammed in the official’s face to demonstrate the independence of the Commons, then are theatrically locked until the official knocks three times with their 3ft 6in ebony rod, topped with a golden lion.
When the doors are opened, the suitably chastened royal representative summons MPs to listen to the Queen’s speech in the Lords.
The role, which has been held by around 60 men in total, originated under Edward III in 1348, who wanted someone to guard meetings of the Order of the Garter.
Grammar school girl Miss Clarke, from Wolverhampton, has a background in sports administration and is the championships director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
She previously held roles at four Olympic Games. Miss Clarke will take up her new job early next year.
The current holder of the post, David Leakey, leaves at the end of this year after seven years in the role.
Miss Clarke said: ‘The House of Lords is a place where the smallest detail is as important as the big picture, and the depth of heritage and tradition is second to none. I am truly looking forward to starting work.’
Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Sarah. As the first woman to take on the role, this is a historic moment.’