Emma de Guader, Countess of Norfolk
Emma de Guader was the wife of Ralph de Guader and the daughter of William FitzOsbern, Lord of Breteuil and later first Earl of Hereford of a new creation, who was a cousin and close adviser of William the Conqueror.[1] William's opposition to their marriage led to the unsuccessful Revolt of the Earls.
Life
Emma was first named Emma de Breteuil, born to William Fitz-Osbern and his wife Adeliza, the daughter of Roger I of Tosny and his wife Adelaide (the daughter of Ermesinde of Carcassonne, regent-countess of Barcelona). She was born in or around 1059 in Breteuil in Normandy.[2] In 1075, Emma, Countess of Norfolk defended Norwich Castle when it was under siege. She eventually negotiated safe passage for herself and her troops in exchange for her castle. Emma died some time after 1096 on the road to Palestine during the First Crusade with her husband.[2] Emma's granddaughter, Amice, married Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester.
In 1075 she married Ralph de Gael, an earl who resented the loss and power in comparison to his father. Her brother and husband then planned a rebellion against William the Conqueror but were betrayed. Her brother was then imprisoned for life by William but her husband escaped to Brittany leaving her to defend Norwich castle. Despite the odds against her, she refused to give in to the king's men. She organised the defense of the town for so long that William eventually had to compromise with her to restore peace. Part of the settlement included a safe passage for her to leave England and join her husband in Brittany.