History Friday - From the Foundry to the Flinders - a James Barwell bullock bell

This humble bell carries a big story. Cast in Birmingham by James Barwell—a renowned bell founder active from the late 1800s—bells like this were made for working animals and harness gear. Based on Barwell’s production era, this bell likely dates to c. 1884–1920.

In South Australia, bullock and mule teams were the backbone of transport before rail pushed north in the 1880s. They hauled everything from wheat and wool to copper ore—famously along the Gulf Road between Burra and Port Wakefield (1849–1857)—and continued feeding goods to the new railheads well into the early 1900s. Check out some of the history we located at this link https://history.flindersranges.com.au/.../moving-goods... -

The inscription “Success to Bullock Drivers” says it all—a wish for safe miles, sure feet, and steady work across long, dusty tracks. Similar Barwell animal bells and team bells were widely used to help drivers keep track of their leaders in low light and open country.

Today, the bell’s patina is a time capsule—ringing with the grit of our early carriers and the roads that built SA.

(Stumbled across this amazing historical bell whilst exploring South Australia)

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