BLACK ROD

in full Gentleman Usher Of The Black Rod, an office of the British House of Lords, instituted in 1350. Its holder is appointed by royal letters patent, and his title is derived from his staff of office, an ebony stick surmounted with a gold lion. He is a personal attendant of the sovereign in the upper house and there functions as a sergeant at arms; his most prominent duty is the summoning of the members of the House of Commons to the upper house to hear a speech from the throne or the royal assent given to bills. On such occasions the House of Commons closes its doors at the Black Rod's approach, whereupon he must knock three times before being admitted. The origin of this curious ceremony dates from the indignation of the lower house at the famous attempt of Charles I to arrest John Hampden, John Pym, and three other members of the House of Commons in 1642.