John of Beaumont

John of Beaumont (1288–1356), born John of Hainaut, was the fourth son of Count John II of Hainaut and brother of Count William III of Holland. He became count of Soissons by marriage and often governed Holland for his brother.

In 1326, when Queen Isabella sought refuge at William's court, John led an expedition to England that helped her and Mortimer depose Edward II. In 1340 he was regent of Holland and Zeeland for his nephew William IV, who was killed at Warns in 1345 while John escaped.

His claim to the succession lost to his niece Margaret, and he left for France. He sided with Philip VI in 1346 and at Crécy pulled the king out of the rout. He died at Valenciennes in March 1356.