Westminster portraits

Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet – Portrait Sitting

Serjeant at Arms Ugbana Oyet – Portrait Sitting

Ugbana Oyet serves as the Serjeant at Arms of the House of Commons, a role steeped in centuries of parliamentary history. The office dates back to 1415, when the Serjeant was responsible for enforcing the orders of the House—including making arrests. Today, the role is defined by both authority and tradition, with ceremonial duties such as carrying the mace in the Speaker’s Procession and during the State Opening of Parliament.

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Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE – Portrait Sitting

Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE – Portrait Sitting

Sarah Clarke OBE made history in November 2017 when she was appointed Black Rod—the first woman to hold the position in its more than 650-year history. She formally assumed her duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Parliament’s oldest offices.

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