Emma of Norfolk (d. 1100)

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Emma of Norfolk (d. 1100)

Countess of Norfolk. Name variations: Emma FitzOs-bern; Emma Guader; Emma of Hereford. Born in England; died in 1100 in Brittany; daughter of William FitzOsbern and Adeliza of Tosny married Ralph Guader, earl of Norfolk, in 1075; children: Alan, later earl of Norfolk; Ralph, later lord of Gael and Montfort; Amicia de Waer , countess of Leicester.

Emma, the 11th-century countess of Norfolk, England, was the formidable defender of the town and castle of Norwich. She married Ralph Guader, earl of Norfolk, in 1075. That same year, the earl revolted against the king of England, William I the Conqueror, which resulted in a siege of Norwich by the king's troops. The earl was forced to flee to France for safety and left Emma to defend Norwich. Despite the odds against her, Emma refused to yield to the king's men. She orchestrated the defense of the town for so long that the king eventually had to compromise with Emma to restore peace. Part of the settlement included a safe conduct for Emma to leave England and join her husband in Brittany. In 1096, the couple joined the First Crusade, accompanied by their son, Alan. After the Crusade, Emma returned to Brittany, where she died in 1100.

Laura York, Riverside, California