The story of Lady Emma de Gauder is one of bravery and fortitude.  As a mere 16-year-old she stood her ground against one of the most feared warlords of the time, William the Conqueror.  Her husband Ralph de Gauder, Earl of East Anglia led an ill-fated rebellion against the conqueror, but when his army was forced back to Norwich Castle, then just a wooden keep, he fled the country to Brittany, leaving Lady Emma in charge of the besieged castle. It could be that he went seeking reinforcements, but he was never to return.  Lady Emma held out against William the Conqueror for three months in 1075, quite an achievement for a girl of that age and testimony to her bravery and personal strength.  After the husband failed to show, Lady Emma realised she had to sue for peace, which she did successfully.  She successfully negotiated secure passage and relinquished the castle to William’s men.  The wooded castle may now be replaced by a sturdier stone keep but spare a thought for this brave 16-year-old who stood her ground against the full force of William the Conqueror.