Emma de Guader, Countess of Norfolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emma de Guader
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Siege of Norwich Castle
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| Countess of Norfolk, Lady of Gaël and Montfort (Seigneur de Gaël et Montfort). | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Emma de Breteuil
c. 1059 |
| Died | 1099 |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse | Ralph de Gael |
| Relations |
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| Children |
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| Occupation | Countess, lady, revolutionary, crusader |
Emma Fitz-Osborn, also known as Emma de Breteuil and later Emma de Guader (died after 1096), was a brave and important noblewoman from Normandy. She was the wife of Ralph de Guader, who was an Earl. Her father was William FitzOsbern, a close friend and advisor to William the Conqueror.
Emma is famous for defending Norwich Castle during a rebellion. She also joined the First Crusade, a big journey to the Middle East.
Contents
Emma's Early Life
Emma was born around 1059 in a place called Breteuil in Normandy. Her parents were William Fitz-Osbern and Adeliza de Tosny. Her father was a very important person in England. He was the first Earl of Hereford.
Her Marriage and a Royal Problem
In 1075, Emma married Ralph de Gael. He was the Earl of East Anglia. Their wedding took place in Exning, Cambridge.
However, King William I was not happy about their marriage. He thought that if two powerful families like Emma's and Ralph's joined, they might become too strong. This could be a threat to his own power as king.
The Great Rebellion and Norwich Castle
Right after their wedding, Emma's husband and her brother planned a rebellion against King William. This event is known as the Revolt of the Earls. But their plan was discovered.
Emma's brother was captured and put in prison by the King. Her husband, Ralph, managed to escape to Denmark to try and get help. Emma, however, stayed behind. She bravely took charge of defending Norwich Castle.
King William's army surrounded the castle. Even though the odds were against her, Emma refused to give up. She organized the defense of the town for a long time. She was so determined that King William eventually had to make a deal with her. He agreed to let her and her soldiers leave safely if she gave up the castle. Emma and her troops then left for Brittany. Her husband joined her there later.
Life in Brittany
After leaving England, Emma and Ralph lived in Brittany. They had large estates there, including the castles of Wader and Montfort. They had at least three children. Their son, Raoul II, later inherited their lands.
Joining the Crusades
Emma was an active participant in the First Crusade. This was a huge journey by Christians from Europe to the Middle East. In 1096, she joined the Crusade with her husband and her son, Alan. They traveled with Robert Curthose, who was the Duke of Normandy.
Emma died sometime after 1096. She passed away on the long journey to Palestine during the First Crusade. Her husband also died around that time.
