Are the remains in St. Peter’s Church of four Brabant dukes? DNA research must provide clarity

The new project, led by KU Leuven, aims on the one hand to improve the preservation of the remains and on the other hand to genetically verify their identity. The Laboratory for Human Genetic Genealogy previously conducted a similar analysis on the skeleton of William II of Holland (1227-1256), king of the Holy Roman Empire and grandson of Henry I. “That earlier analysis now offers us the exceptional opportunity to also verify the identity of the four Brabant dukes,” says Maarten Larmuseau, professor of genetic genealogy and scientific coordinator of the project.

The research project is a collaboration between the university, M Leuven and the pastoral zone Leuven aan de Dijle, with support from the city of Leuven and the province of Flemish Brabant, and makes the medieval past of the region accessible and tangible to the general public. Work is being done, among other things, on digital facial reconstructions to visually bring the dukes to life. In addition, Museum M investigates in which ways the story of the Brabant dukes can be further shared, in St. Peter’s Church itself, but also outside it.

“The Brabant dukes are illustrious ancestors from Leuven’s past, who helped determine the early history of our city and region,” says Leuven’s councilor for Immovable Heritage Dirk Vansina. “It is special that we can get closer to them again through this research. Thanks to the collaboration between strong Leuven partners, we show the ambition to better understand and represent our heritage and past. Together we bring a long-gone chapter back to life, in a scientific and respectful way.”

The research project expects results from the DNA research to take approximately two years. “It is a unique opportunity to gain insight into several successive generations of a medieval elite family. By the end of 2027 we hope to be able to provide more clarity about the identity of the dukes,” concludes Professor Larmuseau.