John I, Count of Hainaut facts for kids

John of Avesnes (born May 1, 1218 – died December 24, 1257) was an important count in medieval Europe. He became the count of Hainaut in 1246 and held this title until his death. His life was full of challenges, especially a long fight over who would inherit lands in Flanders and Hainaut.

Early Life and Family Challenges

John was born in a place called Houffalize. His mother was Margaret II of Flanders, a powerful countess. His father was Bouchard IV of Avesnes.

However, his parents' marriage was later annulled by the Church. This caused problems for John and his brother, Baldwin. People questioned their right to inherit their mother's lands.

John's mother, Margaret, married again to William II of Dampierre. She had more children with him. These new children also had a claim to her lands. This made the question of who would inherit even more complicated.

To make sure their claims were strong, John and Baldwin sought support from the Emperor Frederick II. The Emperor recognized their right to inherit.

The Fight for Inheritance

In 1244, John's mother, Margaret, inherited the important regions of Flanders and Hainaut. She decided to name her eldest son from her second marriage, William III of Dampierre, as her main heir.

This decision started a big conflict known as the War of the Succession of Flanders and Hainault. It was a war between John of Avesnes and William of Dampierre. Both believed they had the right to inherit the lands.

After two years of fighting, Louis IX of France, a very respected king, stepped in. In 1246, he tried to settle the dispute. He decided that Hainaut should go to John, and Flanders should go to William.

But Countess Margaret did not agree to give Hainaut to John. The conflict continued.

Later Conflicts and Victory

In 1251, William of Flanders was killed. This event further complicated the situation.

In 1253, John of Avesnes won a major victory. He defeated the armies of his mother, Margaret, and her other son, Guy, at the Battle of Walcheren. Guy was captured during this battle.

After this defeat, Margaret tried another plan. She agreed to sell her rights to Hainaut to Charles of Anjou. Charles was a powerful prince, and Margaret hoped he would take Hainaut from John.

However, John had strong allies. His brother-in-law, William II, Count of Holland, was also the German King. King William supported John. He granted Hainaut and some Flemish lands to John, as these were part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Charles of Anjou was defeated. King Louis IX of France, who had returned from a crusade, again ordered his brother Charles to respect his earlier decision from 1246.

Finally, in November 1257, Guy of Dampierre gave up his claim to Hainaut. This meant John had officially won the long struggle. Sadly, John died very soon after, on Christmas Eve, in Valenciennes.

Family and Children

John of Avesnes married Adelaide of Holland in 1246. Together, they had several children:

• John II, Count of Hainaut and Holland (1247–1304) – He later became a count himself.
• Baldwin (born after 1247, lived in 1299)
• Joanna, Abbess of Flines (died 1304) – She became the head of a religious community.
• Bouchard, Bishop of Metz (1251–1296) – He became a bishop.
• Guy, Bishop of Utrecht (1253–1317) – He also became a bishop.
• William, Bishop of Cambrai (1254–1296) – Another son who became a bishop.
• Floris, stadholder of Zeeland and Prince of Achaea – He held important positions in government and a principality.

See also

• Counts of Hainaut family tree

John I, Count of Hainaut House of Avesnes Born: 1 May 1218 Died: 24 December 1257
Preceded by Margaret II	Count of Hainaut 1246–1257	Succeeded by Margaret II