I have always been inclined to disagree with the Whiggish interpretation given to this ceremony in, for example, the television commentary on the State Opening of Parliament, and the post bears out my reservations. It is noteworthy that upon Black Rod striking the doors they are immediately opened and after he has paid his respects to the Speaker and House of Commons they immediately do as they are bidden by Black Rod as the Sovereign’s messenger. It recognises and respects the autonomy of the Commons, not their defiance of the Crown.
In origin as an idea, even if we have no record of such a specific ceremonial, it could even go back to 1376 when in the Good Parliament the Commons asserted a distinct corporate identity, with a recognised Speaker, not an ad hoc spokesman, and the successful claim to bring charges in common against the King’s ministers.
Having been introduced to it I have subscribed to the blog, which has some very good posts illustrating many aspects of the history not only of Parliament but of the country. I would urge anyone interested in this wide ranging topic to do so as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment