BRIT-CUSTOMS-L Archives

From: Kevin Brewer <>
Subject: [BRIT] Black Rod
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2002 15:46:41 +1100
References: <200201252300.g0PN08i28506@lists5.rootsweb.com>

The BBC site says, and I quote:
" From the BBC's site
I quote:
Black Rod is a senior official of the House of Lords who is responsible
for its day to day management in the same way as the Serjeant at
Arms is for the House of Commons. His full title is Gentleman Usher
of the Black Rod. Black Rod also performs an important ceremonial duty
at the state opening of Parliament each year. On behalf of the monarch
waiting on the throne in the Lords, Black Rod treads ceremoniously to
address the Commons Chamber. By tradition, the door at the entrance of
the Commons Chamber is then slammed in his face, symbolising the
Commons' independence from the monarch.
Black Rod then hammers on the door with the rod which he carries and is
named after. MPs open the door and he politely tells them that the
monarch awaits them in the Lords.
They then follow him back to the House of Lords to hear the Queen's
Speech which sets out her government's policies and legislative
programme for the session."

--
Kevin Brewer
Melbourne, Australia
Researching:
BREWER, STONE, BRYANT- Cold Ashton and Marshfield Glos. MUDGE - Torquay
and Cockington etc Devon PUFFETT, BUFFETT - Filkins and Broadwell Ox,
Forest of Dean Glos, Pentyrch Glam. SCHILLING - Kreis Zullichau
Brandenburg WESTBROOK - Brighton Sussex PYECROFT - Gimmingham etc
Norfolk TILEY - anywhere TREMELLEN - Cornwall etc.

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• [BRIT] Black Rod by Kevin Brewer <>