A 17th-century Swedish bishop’s stillborn child, found wrapped in fabric between his legs, has now been identified as his nephew.

The Secrets of Bishop Winstrup: A Tale of Kinship and Mystery

In the quiet crypt of Lund Cathedral, Sweden, a centuries-old enigma lay hidden, waiting to be uncovered. The tomb of Bishop Peder Winstrup, a prominent Lutheran church leader in 17th-century Scandinavia, held not only his remarkably preserved remains but also a mystery that would intrigue scientists and historians alike for years. Wrapped in cloth and concealed between his legs was the tiny body of a stillborn child—a discovery that posed questions about identity, kinship, and the rituals of the past.

The Bishop’s Legacy

Born in 1605, Peder Winstrup was a towering figure in the religious and academic landscape of his time. Serving as the Bishop of Lund, he navigated the complex political terrain between the Danish empire and the kingdom of Sweden. His influence extended beyond the church; he was instrumental in persuading the king of Sweden to establish Lund University, a testament to his commitment to education and theological discourse.

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Winstrup’s burial in 1679 was marked by unusual preservation methods. His body, not embalmed, was instead naturally mummified by the cold, dry conditions of his crypt. Plants such as lavender, juniper berries, and hops were placed around him, contributing to the preservation of his remains. When his coffin was opened in 1833, and later in 1923, the extent of this preservation was revealed, sparking curiosity and admiration.

The Enigma of the Foetus

The crypt’s secret was unveiled in 2013 when permission was granted to remove Winstrup’s coffin for further study. Researchers discovered the remains of a human foetus wrapped in cloth, hidden beneath the bishop’s calves. This revelation led to years of speculation and investigation as experts sought to understand the relationship between the bishop and the child.

Initial theories suggested the foetus might have been placed in the coffin by a member of Winstrup’s staff, perhaps as an attempt to hide a scandal. However, DNA analysis conducted by scientists at Lund University and the Center for Paleogenetics in Stockholm provided a clearer picture. Genetic samples showed that the foetus was male and shared 25 percent of its genetic material with the bishop, indicating a second-degree kinship.

The analysis revealed that the foetus had a different mitochondrial DNA lineage than Winstrup, ruling out maternal ancestry. Instead, the Y chromosome analysis suggested a paternal connection, leading researchers to conclude that the foetus was most likely Winstrup’s grandson—his son’s son.

A Ritual of Kinship

The burial of adults with infants was not uncommon in the 17th century, particularly in cases of stillbirth or miscarriage. The foetus, estimated to have been around six months old at the time of stillbirth, may have been placed in the bishop’s coffin after his funeral, when the crypt was accessible. This practice could reflect a desire to connect the child with his grandfather, ensuring spiritual guardianship even in death.

Torbjörn Ahlström, professor of historical osteology at Lund University, noted that such burials might have been a way to honor familial bonds or alleviate grief. “The foetus may have been placed in the coffin as a gesture of kinship, a way to unite the family in the afterlife,” Ahlström explained. The discovery of the foetus alongside Winstrup’s remains highlights the complex rituals and beliefs surrounding death and family in the past.

The Preservation of History

Bishop Winstrup’s body, remarkably preserved, has been a subject of scientific fascination. CT scans revealed that his internal organs remained intact, offering insights into his health and lifestyle. The scans showed dried fluid in his sinuses, suggesting he suffered from a prolonged illness and was bedridden before his death.

The bishop’s burial attire—black velvet sleeves, embroidered linen shirts, and leather gloves—along with the plant-filled mattress and pillow, reflected the care taken to preserve his dignity and status. These details, combined with the discovery of the foetus, paint a picture of a man whose life was intertwined with both public influence and private mysteries.

A Public Revelation

In December 2015, Bishop Winstrup’s remains were displayed to the public for one day, attracting over 3,000 visitors eager to glimpse the mummified body. The event underscored the enduring fascination with Winstrup’s life and the secrets his tomb held. The display, extended until late evening to accommodate the crowds, allowed people to connect with history in a tangible way.

The bishop’s coffin was resealed and returned to the cathedral grounds with a full Lutheran Christian funeral service, honoring his legacy while acknowledging the mystery that had captivated so many.

The Unraveling of a Mystery

The identification of the foetus as Bishop Winstrup’s grandson adds a poignant layer to his story. It speaks to the complexities of family, the rituals of death, and the ways in which we seek to preserve connections across generations. The research, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, demonstrates the power of archaeogenetics to illuminate the past and resolve long-standing enigmas.

As scientists continue to study the remains and context of Bishop Winstrup’s burial, they uncover not only historical facts but also the human stories that lie beneath. The bishop’s life, marked by theological influence and familial mystery, remains a testament to the rich tapestry of history—a tapestry woven with threads of kinship, faith, and the enduring quest for understanding.

In the quiet of Lund Cathedral, the story of Bishop Peder Winstrup unfolds, revealing the secrets of a past that continues to resonate in the present.