

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF PROFESSOR EGBERT HAVERKAMP-BEGEMANN
Margaret of Constantinople (1202-1280), was a colourful figure in the history of Flanders, ruling as Countess of Flanders from 1244 until 1278, and Countess of Hainaut in 1244–1253 and 1257–1280. She was also known as 'la Noire', due to her scandalous life, and disputes with the church regarding the legitimacy of her two marriages, and with her children from both marriages, resulted in the lengthy War of the Succession of Flanders and Hainault.