Emma de Guader was the wife of Ralph de Guader and the daughter of William Fitz-Osbern, who, as the Lord of Breteuil and later 1st Earl of Hereford (Fourth Creation), 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.
Emma was born to William Fitz-Osbern and his wife Adeliza, the daughter of Roger I of Tosny and his wife Adelaide (descendant from the County 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.[3] Emma died some time after 1096 on the road to Palestine during the First Crusade with her husband.[2] Emma's daughter, Amice, married Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester.