Background
Bulcock was born in Clitheroe, Lancashire, to Robert Bulcock, an overlooker in a cotton factory, and his wife, Ann (née Wilkinson).
Bulcock was born in Clitheroe, Lancashire, to Robert Bulcock, an overlooker in a cotton factory, and his wife, Ann (née Wilkinson).
His family were strict Congregationalists, a belief he followed his entire life. Bulcock arrived in Queensland in 1855 and took up farming before becoming a seedsman and produce merchant in Queen Street, Brisbane. He was president of the Temperance Council and his strict adherence to its views made him unpopular in many quarters.
In the late 1870s, Bulcock became involved in the publication of the Queensland Evangelical Standard and, although remaining involved with the temperance movement, he retired from business to enter politics.
He held the seat for two and a half years but did not stand for re-election at the 1888 colonial election. Bulcock was called up to the Legislative Council in October 1894 and held the seat till his death six years later.