Mary, Countess of Blois facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary
suo jure Countess of Blois
Seal
Spouse(s)	Hugh I of Châtillon ​ (m. 1226)​
Issue
John I Guy II Gaucher Hugh Basile
Noble family	Avesnes
Father	Walter II of Avesnes
Mother	Margaret of Blois
Born	1200
Died	1241 (aged 40–41)

Mary, Countess of Blois (1200–1241), also known as Marie of Avesnes, was an important noblewoman. She was the Countess of Blois from 1230 until her death in 1241. This means she held the title and lands of Blois in her own right.

Early Life and Family

Mary was born in the year 1200. Her father was Walter of Avesnes. Her mother was Margaret of Blois. Margaret was also a countess, which meant she had a high noble rank.

Marriage and Children

In 1226, Mary married Hugh I of Châtillon. He was a count from Châtillon-sur-Marne. Hugh's parents were Gaucher III of Châtillon and Elisabeth of Saint-Pol.

Mary and Hugh had five children together:

• John I (died 1280): He later became the Count of Blois.
• Guy II (died 1289): He became the Count of Saint Pol.
• Gaucher (died 1261): He was the lord of Crécy and Crèvecœur.
• Hugh (died 1255)
• Basile (died 1280): She became the Abbess of Notre Dame du Val in 1248. An abbess is the head of a group of nuns.

Legacy

Mary, Countess of Blois, passed away in 1241. Her oldest son, John, took over her title. He became the next Count of Blois.