The Bristolian merchant Robert Kytchen (or Kitchen) gifted one of the four bronze nails located outside The Exchange on Corn Street in Bristol. They were probably modelled after mobile tables which were taken to trade fairs and markets, having flat tops and raised edges which prevented coins from tumbling onto the pavement. Deals could be closed by payment on the nails, the popularly supposed origin of the saying pay on the nail or cash on the nail.
The following is taken from A Chronological Outline of the History of Bristol, and the Stranger's Guide, by John Evans, 1824, page 160: 'Sept. 5 died Robert Kitchen, who was Mayor in 1588. He was buried in St. Stephen's Church. He left four hundred pounds, in trust, for loans to young tradesmen. On a beam over the entrance of the New Market in Broad Street is the following carved inscription 'This building is at the charge of Robert Kitchen, late Alderman of Bristoll, for the Reliefe of the Poor.' / 'R.K. 1598.'
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: M4073
: Fine Art
: drawing/watercolour
: Portrait in Council House of Alderman Robert Kitchin
: MANNING, Joseph
: a colour drawing on paper, showing: a three-quarter length portrait of Alderman Robert Kitchin, which was originally hung in the (old) Council House, Corn Street, Bristol; this watercolour copy was commissioned from the artist by George Weare Braikenridge as a record of the civic portraits
: City of Bristol Collection
: Braikenridge Topographical Collection of Bristol (George Weare Braikenridge, 1775-1856): Bristol, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) / England, Northern Europe, Europe: St Ewen, Christchurch
: 1828
: Purchased, 1919