The Bishop is one of Westley Richards longest established and best-selling bags. It is so well loved that we find our customers adopting it for all kinds of purposes and activities, whether for sport, travel, work or adventure.
One kindly wrote in and told us he used it for stalking on the hill but would like it even better if it had a larger capacity. Simply put, if the standard specification could be made slightly taller, deeper and wider, these adjustments to what is already a very good hill bag would make it perfect.
I happened to mention the idea to Trigger who, in his usual quick-fire manner, said it would be perfect for his time in the field. Though he loved his current camo Bishop, he could absolutely make use of the extra capacity.
So, the team got to work and did exactly that, making a larger sibling ten inches high, fourteen wide and four deep, providing an additional 45% more internal capacity. In turn, the larger dimensions increased both the internal, zipped pocket to a full eleven inches at the opening and the two front pockets were now six and a half inches wide and eight inches high.
It is the same classic design that has proven so popular over the years but tailored to better equip the stalker on the hill. To accommodate the potential for extra weight burden, we have also reinforced the strap attachment points with solid brass branded rivets.
Another custom option open to buyers of the Bishop Hill Bag is a forest green strap, rather than the sandy khaki of the original, to add a greater degree of camouflage to the bag in most stalking scenarios.
In terms of colour and material options, the choices are generous. The new bag will launch in our three classic bark-tanned leathers; dark brown buffalo, mid tan cow hide, and dark tan cow hide, as well as a new company twill canvas in khaki green and a petrol blue. The new twill offers a softer handle compared to our other canvasses from British-maker Halley Stevensons, whilst also extending our colour palette.
Of course, the fixtures and fittings are directly taken from the original Bishop Bag, featuring the unique Westley Richards lining, designed by famed engraver Paul Lantuch, quick release pocket fasteners and best quality brass zips and buckles. All our brassware is completely bespoke, inspired by Westley Richards gun and case-making, continuing our commitment to the high quality standards the company is revered for.
We love hearing from customers about their experiences with our clothing and equipment, and enjoy feedback that can both improve our products or create others. In this instance, we have been able to create the ideal version of the famous Bishop Bag for those spending quality time on the hill, whether deer stalking, walked up shooting or moorland tramping.
That is the beauty of having our own designers and makers in-house; we can react quickly and deliver exactly what our customers want. At Westley Richards, our leather goods carry the same bespoke ethos as our best guns and rifles.
Made with pride in Birmingham, used and loved the world over.
Westley Richards has been outfitting its clients for with fine leather goods as long as it has been building custom rifles and bespoke guns for them. Whether you are on safari in the African bush, in Paris for the weekend, or in New York on business, our heirloom quality leather luggage strikes the perfect balance between functionality, durability and timeless elegance. Made in our leather factory in Birmingham side by side with the gunmaking, the company offers a range of luxury travel bags made from leather and canvas, including holdalls, briefcases, backpacks, messenger bags and weekend bags. The perfect partner to our high quality safari wear and country clothing.
