The Peder Winstrup Case

By Crusader1307

 The Right Reverend Peder Winstrup died in 1679. In life, He was instrumental in Danish History for His advancement of Protestantism and His reported lack of enthusiasm for Royalty (preferring to give all worship to God). But His death was more impressive than life it seems. Winstrup would be the source of an exhumation which led to a bigger mystery than what was being investigated. It was rumored that Pedar could have been assassinated (poisoned) by possible Royal ‘’Hitmen’’. An outspoken critic of The Crown, it was believed His urgings could stir riot and rebellion. Nothing was proven and He was buried in a Cathedral in Denmark. 2015 would prove interesting to Historians. During major renovations of The Cathedral, it was determined to move Winstrup’s remains to another location on Cathedral grounds. This gave some Historians the chance to ‘’test’’ their theory.

Removed for examination by medical Authorities, Winstrup’s remains were in remarkable condition for having been 500 years old. Much of His surviving tissues were viable for study. Permitting for no real attempts at preservation and conditions within The Cathedral, even His clothes at the time of His burial were in a unique state. And while not conclusive proof of poisoning could be determined due to decomposition, another bizarre ‘’find’’ happened. At the feet of The Reverend was a small, cloth wrapped object. Upon examination, this was found to be a Human Fetus (8 to 9-months in age) and likewise in an unusual state of preservation. No evidence of identification or related was ever found, and it is speculated, the Fetus was placed, after Winstrup’s death. And while is was common (at times), for children remains to be buried with their Family’s deceased ancestors, some assign the darker component of the story. Perhaps the remains were of an illicit affair and Winstrup’s ‘’Lover’’ gave birth to a child that did not survive. Perhaps, ‘’She’’ even interred the Child with it’s ‘’Father’’ out of respect. Unfortunately, the whole story will never be known. Winstrup’s remains were re-buried later (along with the Fetus).