Emma

Also known as: Elfgiva / Elfgiva Emma / Elfgive / Elgiva / Elgive Emma / Lady Elfgiva Emma / Lady Elfgive Emma / Lady Emma · Family: English · Role: lady · First appears: A.D. 999–1005

In 1002, Elfgiva Emma, daughter of Earl Richard, came to England. The following year, she appointed Hugh the French churl her steward at Exeter. In 1023, she came with her son Hardacnute; she was also the mother of Edward son of Ethelred. In 1035, she was to remain at Winchester with Hardacnute’s household, but Harold son of Canute sent for her best treasure and had it taken.

In 1037, Earl Baldwin received and protected Emma at Bruges, giving her a place to live for as long as she needed. In 1042, she gave the new minster the head of St. Valentine for Hardacnute’s soul. In 1043, Edward son of Ethelred and the earls rode to Winchester and deprived her of her treasures; soon afterward, Edward took her land, gold, silver, and other possessions into his hands. Emma died in 1052, recorded as the relict of King Ethelred and King Knute, and as the mother of Edward and Hardacnute.