david.humphrey
The Exchange, Bristol
Built 1741-1743 by John Wood the Elder in Classical/Palladian style. It is the only surviving 18th Century exchange building in England. The frieze symbolises trade, the Royal Coat of Arms is set in the Tympanum. The clock was installed in 1822, and a second, black, minute hand added later shows Bristol time, about ten minutes later than Greenwich Mean Time /summer time which is shown by the original red minute hand. The distinction was necessary after the arrival of the railways, which had to run to a national "railway time". Four bronze tables on the pavement (one on the far right most visible), with raised edges to prevent coins rolling off, were for merchants to carry out their business. Thence the expression (disputed) "cash on the nail". Two oldest nails are said to be 16th centruy, two newer ones are dated 1625 and 1631. Corn Street, Bristol.
The Exchange, Bristol
Built 1741-1743 by John Wood the Elder in Classical/Palladian style. It is the only surviving 18th Century exchange building in England. The frieze symbolises trade, the Royal Coat of Arms is set in the Tympanum. The clock was installed in 1822, and a second, black, minute hand added later shows Bristol time, about ten minutes later than Greenwich Mean Time /summer time which is shown by the original red minute hand. The distinction was necessary after the arrival of the railways, which had to run to a national "railway time". Four bronze tables on the pavement (one on the far right most visible), with raised edges to prevent coins rolling off, were for merchants to carry out their business. Thence the expression (disputed) "cash on the nail". Two oldest nails are said to be 16th centruy, two newer ones are dated 1625 and 1631. Corn Street, Bristol.