A corn exchange (Commonwealth English) or grain exchange (North American English) was a building where farmers and merchants traded cereal grains. Such trade was common in towns and cities across Great Britain and Ireland until the 19th century, but as the trade became centralised in the 20th century many such buildings were used for other purposes. Several have since become heritage sites.
The name corn refers to all cereal grains in most varieties of English, not only to maize as in North America.
For the history of corn exchanges, see:
- grain trade
- Commodity market and
- Commodities exchange
Famous quotes containing the words corn and/or exchange:
“Your letter of excuses has arrived. I receive the letter but do not admit the excuses except in courtesy, as when a man treads on your toes and begs your pardon—the pardon is granted, but the joint aches, especially if there is a corn upon it.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“Love is often nothing but a favorable exchange between two people who get the most of what they can expect, considering their value on the personality market.”
—Erich Fromm (1900–1980)