Emma de Guader, Countess of Norfolk
Emma de Guader (died after 1096) was a Norman noblewoman, 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 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 which was besieged by William. 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 herself and her troops in exchange for her castle.[3] The Countess retired to her estate in Brittany, where she was rejoined by her husband.
She 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.
References[]
- ^ David Hume, The History of England, Vol. I
- ^ a b Lady Anne's Family Tree: Fi
- ^ Cathcart King 1983, pp. 308, 312
Bibliography[]
- Cathcart King, David James (1983), Castellarium Anglicanum: An Index and Bibliography of the Castles in England, Wales and the Islands. Volume II: Norfolk–Yorkshire and the Islands, London: Kraus International Publications, ISBN 0-527-50110-7
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