Virginia Woolf called for 'Killing the Angels'- after the popular poem 'An Angel in the House' promoted the bliss of domestic life for 19th century women. This talk looks at the dramatic change in the lives of women as they sought the escape and freedom through political activism. Many were English, like Charlotte Wilson- who became a leading anarchist, then a Fabian Socialist and a suffragist. She like others ' did more than making tea and typing'. She rallied protesters, wrote manifesto, worked with William Morris, George Bernard Shaw and the leading suffragettes- giving her life to the cause of women’s independence. Key anarchists saw violence, called “propaganda of the deed” as opposed to “propaganda of the word.”-as the best way to push for change. And some women did become terrorists, throwing bombs, shooting leaders including six kings, a US president and two Prime Ministers . Many died in prison,committed suicide or emigrated. My talk answers why anarchy was so appealing and looks at the political journey of women who did change English lives for the better. They were the First Wave of Feminists- and we have them to thank for where women are today- and we need to remember them.