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m. 1340
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Jean II de Châtillon was born probably in Valenciennes about 1342. He was the second son of Louis II de Châtillon and Jeanne d'Avesnes, who had 3 sons. Louis II became count of Blois (a.o.) in 1342. When he died in 1346, Jean's older brother Louis III inherited the titles. Jean however inherited many possessions in and around Holland from his grandfather Jean de Beaumont (also called Jean de Hainaut). Therefore he went to live in Schoonhoven, where his grandfather had built a castle. In Schoonhoven he 'held court' (receiving guests and organising parties, causing Schoonhoven to be called 'hofstad'). To date Schoonhoven is a centre for artisans of jewellery and has a school for them. We know a lot about this middieval nobleman because nearly all his accounts have survived. Jean was often away from home. He visited his other possessions that were scattered over Holland and Zealand, and Valenciennes, and friends and relations. He loved to party and to hunt, especially with falcons. He lorded about a dozen children before he married. Jean was called 'Jan van Blois', possibly because his father and after that his older brother held this title that was far more important than Châtillon. All his children were called 'van Blois'[NL], 'de Blois'[FR]. In February 1372, he married Mathilde of Guelders (d. 1384), the daughter and co-heir of Duke Reginald II of Guelders (d. 1371). Obviously he expected to attain the main title, but the other co-heir Maria of Gueldres wanted the title for her son Willem I. Very soon his funds ran out and he withdrew from this war. Maybe he was less keen because in the same year his brother Louis III died childless making Jean II count of Blois (and Dunois, etc.). Jean died 1381 in Schoonhoven. He was buried in Valenciennes.
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