The bell at the Bathurst Saleyards which tolled for the last time at the site’s final cattle sale in May has now been retired to display at the Historical Museum.

Bathurst District Historical Society president Christopher Morgan believed the bell was of local historical significance and he wrote to council asking that the bell be given to the society to be preserved.

And after council agreed to an indefinite loan, mayor Paul Toole handed over the saleyard bell to Mr Morgan.

Mr Morgan said the piece of local rural history would best be kept at the Historical Museum where it will be put on display with a panel detailing the history of the saleyards, as well as information about the bell itself.

Not much is presently known about the history of the bell, and anyone with information or stories relating to it is encouraged to contact the Historical Society on 6332 4755.