Black Rod - Other UK Ushers

Other UK Ushers

Before the Acts of Union 1707 united the English and Scottish parliaments, there was a Heritable Usher of the White Rod who had a similar role in the Estates of Parliament in Scotland. This office is currently held by The Rt. Rev. Dr John Armes, Lord Bishop of Edinburgh, but the role carries no duties.

Gentleman ushers exist for all the British orders of knighthood, and are coloured as follows:

• The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod -- Order of the Garter
• The Gentleman Usher of the Green Rod -- Order of the Thistle
• The Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod -- Order of the Bath
• The Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod -- Order of St Michael and St George
• The Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod -- Order of the British Empire