Tags: Noble.
John of Avesnes (1 May 1218 – 24 December 1257) was the count of Hainaut from 1246 to his death. Born in Houffalize he was the eldest son of Margaret II of Flanders by her first husband Bouchard IV of Avesnes. As the marriage of Margaret and Bouchard was papally dissolved he was considered illegitimate.His mother was remarried to William II of Dampierre and bore more children who could claim her inheritance.