Basinus of Drongen

Basinus of Drongen is a figure linked with the foundation of the abbey of Drongen (Tronchiennes), near Ghent. According to an old tradition, the abbey was founded in the 7th century by Saint Basinus, father of Saint Aldegund, who settled canons there and ended his life in that place, dying in 661 with a reputation for holiness. He is remembered on 14 July, according to a single source.

The Middle Ages preserved two legends about the foundation of the abbey: according to one, Basinus, a king of the Basotes, built it; according to the other, the founder was Saint Amand. In the 12th and 13th centuries the canons wrote elaborate stories about Basinus, a king-⁠hunter, and said that he had built three churches at Drongen. Given the nature of the sources, the year of his death and his feast day should be regarded as tradition, not sure historical fact.