Sarah Clarke (Black Rod)
Sarah Clarke | |
|---|---|
Clarke in 2019 | |
| Lady Usher of the Black Rod | |
| In office 13 February 2018 – 8 July 2025 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Preceded by | David Leakey |
| Succeeded by | Ed Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 October 1965 Wolverhampton, England |
| Alma mater | University of Leicester |
Dame Sarah Davina Clarke (born 12 October 1965) is a British administrator. From 13 February 2018 to 8 July 2025, she served as Black Rod, the first female Black Rod in the 650-year history of the role. During her tenure, the role was formally styled "The Lady Usher of the Black Rod"; for previous incumbents, "The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod" was used. She was also the first woman to hold the accompanying posts of Serjeant-at-Arms for the House of Lords, Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain and to be appointed an Officer of the Order of the Garter.
Before taking this role, she was Championships Director in charge of the administration of The Championships, Wimbledon. She was the first woman to hold this post and the first woman to be a Grand Slam Tournament Director.
On 11 June 2022, she made a rare public speaking appearance in Liverpool, England to address the Annual Meeting of the Women's Institute.