The article highlights the influence, presence and contribution of women to the early Baptist movement from 1609-1700. Topics discussed include the role played by Joan Helwys in the establishment of the Baptist movement in Great Britain at a time penalties for religious dissenters are growing severe, the preaching work of women like Mary Bilbrow, Joane Bauford and Elizabeth Bancroft and Dorothy Hazzard's founding of the Broadmead Church.