William II, Count of Hainaut

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William IV of Avesnes (1307 – September 26, 1345) was count William II of Hainaut, William IV of Holland and count William III of Zeeland from 1337 to his death, succeeding his father, William III. He married Joanna, Duchess of Brabant and Limburg in 1334, but had no issue.

William fought in France as ally of the English (he was the brother in law of Edward III). He went on crusade against the Saracens and the Lithuanians. He besieged Utrecht, because his one time favourite bishop John van Arkel of Utrecht had turned against him. He died during one of the battles of Warns against the Frisians. William was succeeded by his sister, who was married to emperor Louis IV. Hainaut, Holland and Zeeland became a part of the imperial crown domains.

[edit] See also

• Counts of Hainaut family tree

Preceded by William III	Count of Hainaut	Succeeded by Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and Margaret II
	Count of Holland and Zeeland