The UK is home to many old castles. Out of them, Windsor Castle is perhaps the most noteworthy in that it is the largest and oldest to still be in use today. It was erected during what would be the Heian period here in Japan, making it of an age with Byodoin Temple in Kyoto. Windsor Castle has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, so not everything about the stronghold is as it was originally, but that doesn’t make it any less amazing that the royal family still resides there even now.
Windsor is also known as the castle where Queen Elizabeth spends her weekends, and is a tourist destination filled with plenty to see like the Round Tower at its centre, St. George’s Chapel with its gothic architecture, and the State Apartments that house the royal family extensive art collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics. The castle is perhaps the best representative of those “good old things” found so often in Britain in the way it gives a real of sense of the spirit of maintaining beloved possessions for extended periods of time.

Seeing the transformations time and history bring about in such possessions is part of what makes them so wonderful. Glenroyal’s bridle leather dyed with vegetable tannin has a deeply flavourful appearance that changes over time with use and thus allows owners to enjoy one-of-a-kind looks from their items. The leather tote bag showcased here is quite large at 39cm by 43cm, which makes it easy to experience the fun of bridle leather in everyday life. Its colour will evolve depending on the lifestyle of its user, something that makes it all the more endearing. The tote in the photo is an amazing specimen that has seen regular use for more than 10 years. This is an item that packs a timeless design with unfailing durability, so it’s a perfect introduction to the value of using possessions carefully over a lifetime.