Black Rod is a British tradition held in Parliament that dates back 650 years. Black Rod knocks on the door of the houses of Parliament to call MPs to the Queen's speech each year. In the tradition, the door of Parliament is slammed in Black Rod's face. Black Rod then has to knock three times to gain entry. This is symbolic and shows that parliament is separate from the King or Queen.
There are letters mentioning Black Rod dating back to 1361. Since then every holder of the Black Rod position has been male.
In 2017, the position of Black Rod has been given to a female. Sarah Clark is the first female Black Rod in 650 years. Sarah says, "I am truly looking forward to starting work".
What's happening in the picture?
Where do you think the picture was taken?
Explain the story
- What is parliament, who works there?
- Black Rod shows that Parliament in independent from the Queen. Think about the power that Kings and Queens had 500 years ago; why is the Black Rod tradition important? What does it show?
- Why do you think the Black Rod role has always been male?
- Why has this changed in 2017?
- What UK law says that people should not face discrimination because of gender? (Equality Act)
- The tradition of a male Black Rod has lasted for 650 years. What does this story demonstrate about ideas and traditions and change?
- What can we learn from the Houses of Parliament?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?
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