1059-1099?
Emma de Guader was a noble woman, revolutionary, and crusader.
Emma de Guader’s titles included Countess of Norfolk, Lady of Gaël and Montfort.
Emma de Guader was born in Normandy as Emma de Breteuil or FitzOsbern, and later became Emma de Guader when she married Ralph de Guader, the Earl of East Anglia. Emma was the daughter of William FitzOsbern, who was the 1st Earl of Hereford, the Lord of Breteuil, and worked closely with William the Conqueror. Emma was the sister of Roger de Breteuil, the 2nd Earl of Hereford.
Due to King William I’s refusal to give permission for Ralph de Guader and Emma FitzOsbern to marry, it is believed that William felt that the alliance of these two noble families threatened his rule. Despite the king’s lack of approval, Ralph and Emma got married in 1075.
Emma de Guader is best known for her defence of Norwich Castle in 1075, at the young age of 16, when she resisted the Royalist forces sent by William the Conqueror.
The Revolt of the Earls was a rebellion against William the Conqueror that Emma de Guader’s husband and brother were heavily involved in, which occurred as they believed that William was unworthy of his power. Following the betrayal of this plot, Emma’s brother was imprisoned and a siege on Norwich Castle occurred. Ralph left Emma in charge of defending the castle whilst he sailed to Denmark to gather aid against the incoming ambush. The siege lasted a long three months and, in that time, Emma led her soldiers bravely using cunning military tactics to protect Norwich Castle, which was early into its construction and was just a wooden motte-and-bailey castle.
Once Emma realised that her husband was not going to return, she negotiated safe passage to Brittany for herself and her loyal soldiers in exchange for Norwich Castle. She was able to secure 40 days for herself and her followers to leave, ensuring the safety of those under her command. Emma proved herself to be a courageous and caring leader despite her young age.
In Brittany Emma re-joined with her husband and they had three children together: William de Gael, Alain de Gael, and Raoul II de Gail.
Emma de Guader died sometime after 1096 whilst travelling to Palestine in the first crusade.
Researched and written by Chloe Carter
Norfolk Record Office 