14C-dating of the skeleton remains and the content of the lead coffin attributed to the Blessed Idesbald (Abbey of the Dunes, Koksijde, Belgium). (February 2016) - Van Strydonck, Mark
Abstract: In 2015 the supposed lead coffin of Blessed Idesbald (†1167 AD) was opened for examination. The content (one male skeleton, a piece of textile and plant fragments) as well as the carbonated lead of the coffin were dated. The results reveal that the skeleton and the coffin are from the second part of the 15th century, beginning of the 16th century and the plant fragments were even younger. The lead carbonate dates support the suggestion that the skeleton remains belonged to the original deposition. Aromatized plant fibres were added after the coffin was unearthed in 1623 AD.