John I of Hainaut

John II (1247 – 22 August 1304) was Count of Hainaut, Holland, and Zeeland.

Life John II, born 1247, was the eldest son of John I of Hainaut and Adelaide of Holland. He became Count of Hainaut on the death of his grandmother, Countess Margaret I of Hainaut. The personal union he established between Hainaut and Holland–Zeeland lasted for another half-century. He sought help of France against Flanders. Thus, all his main enemies were gone.

The tide changed dramatically after a Flemish uprising and the defeat of the French army at the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, where John's eldest son was killed fighting for the French. The Flemish attacked Hainaut and Zeeland supported by the dissatisfied population there. Guy of Namur defeated John's son, William, in a battle on the island of Duiveland. Bishop Guy of Utrecht was taken prisoner. Guy of Namur and Duke John II of Brabant conquered most of Utrecht, Holland, and Zeeland. Guy of Namur was finally defeated in 1304 by the fleet of Holland and France at the naval Battle of Zierikzee. John II regained most of his authority when he died in the same year.

Family In 1270, John married Philippa, daughter of Count Henry V of Luxembourg and Margaret of Bar. Their children were: John, Lord of Beaumont, Count of Ostervant. Killed in battle (11 July 1302). Aleid van Zandenburg, who was married firstly to Wolfert II of Borselen, lord of Veere, and secondly to Otto III of Buren.