Early Ironclad Battleships of the Royal Navy

For images of the ships listed here, click on the appropriate link.

Broadside Ships

WARRIOR Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Warrior December 1860 9210 tons 419' 4" x 58' 3" x 26' 1-shaft
10 boilers
Penn engine
5270 ihp
14 knots		 26 x 68 pdr. SBML
10 x 7" BL
4 x 70 pdr. BL
1867:
4 x 8" RML
28 x 7" RML
4 x 20 pdr. BL		 Belt: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 707 October 1861: Completed
1864 - 1867: Rearmed
1881 - 1884: TS (Clyde)
1884: Re-rated as an armoured cruiser; In reserve
1902: Torpedo depot ship (Portsmouth)
1904: Renamed Vernon III
1923: Renamed Warrior
1929: Hulked
1945: Renamed C77
1979: Restored (Portsmouth)
Black Prince February 1861 9210 tons 419' 4" x 58' 3" x 26' 1-shaft
10 boilers
Penn engine
5770 ihp
14 knots		 26 x 68 pdr. SBML
10 x 7" BL
4 x 70 pdr. BL
1868:
4 x 8" RML
24 x 7" RML
4 x 20 pdr. BL		 Belt: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 707 Originally named Invincible
September 1862: Completed
1867 - 1868: Rearmed
1878: re-rated as an armoured cruiser; In reserve
1896: TS (Queenstown)
1903: Depot ship; Renamed Emerald
1910: Renamed Impregnable III
1923: Sold for scrapping

DEFENCE Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Defence April 1861 6070 tons 291' 4" x 54' x 25' 1-shaft
4 boilers
Penn engine
2540 ihp
11.8 knots		 10 x 68 pdr. SBML
8 x 7" BL
4 x 5" BL
1867:
2 x 8" RML
14 x 7" RML		 Belt: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 460 December 1861: Completed
1867: Rearmed
1879: Paid off
1890: Floating workshop (Devonport)
1898: Renamed Indus
1935: Sold for scrapping
Resistance April 1861 6150 tons 291' 4" x 54' x 25' 1-shaft
4 boilers
Penn engine
2540 ihp
11.8 knots		 10 x 68 pdr. SBML
6 x 7" BL
2 x 32 pdr. SBML
1869:
2 x 8" RML
14 x 7" RML		 Belt: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 460 July 1862: Completed
1867 - 1869: Rearmed
1880: Paid off
1885: Target ship
1898: Sold for scrapping but sank on the way to the breakers

PRINCE CONSORT Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Prince Consort June 1862 6830 tons 273' x 58' 6" x 26' 9" 1-shaft
8 boilers
Maudslay engine
4200 ihp
12.5 knots		 8 x 100 pdr. SBML
16 x 68 pdr. SBML
7 x 7" BL
1867:
4 x 8" RML
20 x 7" RML
1871:
7 x 9" RML
8 x 8" RML		 Belt: 3" - 4.5"
Battery: 3" - 4.5"
Iron		 605 Originally laid down as the Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line Pembroke
April 1864: Completed
1867: Rearmed
1871: Rearmed
1882: Sold for scrapping
Caledonia October 1862 6830 tons 273' x 58' 6" x 26' 9" 1-shaft
8 boilers
Maudslay engine
4200 ihp
12.5 knots		 8 x 100 pdr. SBML
12 x 68 pdr. SBML
10 x 7" BL
1867:
4 x 8" RML
20 x 7" RML		 Belt: 3" - 4.5"
Battery: 3" - 4.5"
Iron		 605 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
July 1865: Completed
1867: Rearmed
1875: Paid off
1886: Sold for scrapping
Ocean March 1863 6830 tons 273' x 58' 6" x 26' 9" 1-shaft
8 boilers
Maudslay engine
4200 ihp
12.5 knots		 24 x 7" BL
1867:
4 x 8" RML
20 x 7" RML		 Belt: 3" - 4.5"
Battery: 3" - 4.5"
Iron		 605 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
July 1865: Completed
1867: Rearmed
1882: Sold for scrapping

ROYAL OAK

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Royal Oak September 1862 6360 tons 273' x 58' 3" x 25' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
3000 ihp
12.5 knots		 24 x 68 pdr. SBML
11 x 7" BL
1867:
4 x 8" RML
20 x 7" RML		 Belt: 3" - 4"
Battery: 3" - 4.5"
Iron		 585 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
April 1863: Completed
1867: Rearmed
1871:Paid off
1885: Sold for scrapping

HECTOR Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Hector September 1862 6170 tons 280' x 56' 3" x 25' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Napier engine
3260 ihp
11.5 knots		 20 x 68 pdr. SBML
4 x 7" BL
1868:
2 x 8" RML
16 x 7" RML		 Belt: 4.5"
Battery: 2.5" - 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 530 February 1864: Completed
1867 - 1868: Rearmed
1886: Paid off
1900: Torpedo TS (Portsmouth)
1905: Sold for scrapping
Valiant October 1863 6170 tons 280' x 56' 3" x 25' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
3260 ihp
11.5 knots		 2 x 8" RML
16 x 7" RML		 Belt: 4.5"
Battery: 2.5" - 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 530 September 1868: Completed
1885: Paid off
1898: Depot ship (Portsmouth)
1904: Renamed Indus IV
1916: Renamed Valiant (Old)
1918: Renamed Valiant III
1926: Floating oil tank
1956: Sold for scrapping

ACHILLES

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Achilles December 1863 9820 tons 386' 6" x 58' 3" x 27' 3" 1-shaft
10 boilers
Penn engine
5270 ihp
14.3 knots		 14 x 100 pdr. SBML
1865:
14 x 100 pdr. SBML
6 x 68 pdr. SBML
4 x 7" BL
1868:
4 x 8" RML
22 x 7" RML
1874:
14 x 9" RML
2 x 7" RML
1889:
14 x 9" RML
2 x 6" BL
8 x 3 pdr. QF		 Belt: 2.5" - 4.5"
Battery: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 709 November 1864: Completed
1865: Armament increased
1868: Rearmed
1874: Rearmed
1885: Paid off
1889: Partially rearmed
1902: Depot ship (Malta); Renamed Hibernia
1904: Renamed Egmont
1914: Depot ship (Chatham)
1916: Renamed Egremont
1919: Renamed Pembroke
1923: Sold for scrapping

MINOTAUR Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Minotaur December 1863 10690 tons 411' x 59' 6" x 27' 9" 1-shaft
10 boilers
Penn engine
6740 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 9" RML
24 x 7" RML
8 x 24 pdr.
1875:
17 x 9" RML
2 x 20 pdr. BL
1892:
15 x 9" RML
2 x 6" BL
4 x 4.7" BL
8 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x TT		 Belt: 4.5" - 5.5"
Bulkheads: 5.5"
Iron		 800 Originally named Elephant
December 1868: Completed
1873 - 1875: Rearmed
1887: Paid off
1890: TS (Portland)
1891 - 1892: Rearmed
1904: Renamed Boscawen II
1906: Depot ship (Harwich); Renamed Ganges
1908: Renamed Ganges II
1922: Sold for scrapping
Agincourt March 1865 10690 tons 411' x 59' 6" x 27' 9" 1-shaft
10 boilers
Maudslay engine
6740 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 9" RML
24 x 7" RML
8 x 24 pdr.
1875:
17 x 9" RML
2 x 20 pdr. BL
1892:
15 x 9" RML
2 x 6" BL
4 x 4.7" BL
8 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x TT		 Belt: 4.5" - 5.5"
Bulkheads: 5.5"
Iron		 800 Originally named Captain
June 1867: Completed
1875: Rearmed
1889: Paid off
1891 - 1892: Rearmed
1893: TS (Portland)
1904: Renamed Boscawen III
1906: Renamed Ganges II
1908: Hulked; Renamed C109
1960: Sold for scrapping
Northumberland April 1866 10780 tons 411' x 59' 6" x 27' 9" 1-shaft
10 boilers
Penn engine
6740 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 9" RML
22 x 8" RML
2 x 7" RML
1879:
7 x 9" RML
20 x 8" RML
2 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x TT
1887:
7 x 9" RML
18 x 8" RML
1 x 6" BL
1 x 5" BL
2 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x TT
Later:
7 x 9" RML
18 x 8" RML
1 x 6" BL
1 x 5" BL
6 x 4.7" BL
2 x 20 pdr. BL
10 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x TT		 Belt: 4.5" - 5.5"
Bulkheads: 5.5"
Iron		 800 October 1868: Completed
1875 - 1879: Rearmed
1885 - 1887: Refitted and rearmed
1898: Stokers TS (The Nore)
1904: Renamed Acheron
1909: Hulked; Renamed C
1914: Renamed C68
1926: Renamed C8
1927: Sold as a mercantile hulk; Renamed Steamowna or Stedmound (Dakar)
1935: Broken up

LORD CLYDE Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Lord Clyde October 1864 7750 tons 280' x 59' x 27'" 1-shaft
9 boilers
Ravenhill engine
6700 ihp
13.5 knots		 24 x 7" RML
1869:
2 x 9" RML
14 x 8" RML
2 x 7" RML
2 x 20 pdr. BL		 Belt: 4.5" - 5.5"
Iron		 605 June 1866: Completed
1869: Rearmed
1876: Hulked
1884: Sold for scrapping
Lord Warden May 1865 7940 tons 280' x 59' x 28'" 1-shaft
9 boilers
Maudslay engine
6700 ihp
13.5 knots		 16 x 8" RML
4 x 7" RML
1870:
2 x 9" RML
14 x 8" RML
2 x 7" RML
2 x 20 pdr. BL		 Belt: 4.5" - 5.5"
Iron		 605 August 1867: Completed
1870: Rearmed
1885: Paid off
1889: Sold for scrapping

Central Battery Ships

ZEALOUS

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Zealous March 1864 61000 tons 252' x 58' 6" x 25 9" 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
3450 ihp
11.7 knots		 20 x 7" RML Belt: 2.25" - 4.5"
Battery: 4.5"
Bulkheads: 3"
Iron		 510 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
October 1866: Completed
1875: Paid off
1886: Sold for scrapping

ROYAL ALFRED

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Royal Alfred October 1864 6700 tons 273' x 58' 6" x 27' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
3230 ihp
12.4 knots		 10 x 9" RML
8 x 8" RML		 Belt: 4" - 6"
Battery: 4.5" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 605 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
March 1867: Completed
1874: Paid off
1885: Sold for scrapping

BELLEROPHON

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Bellerophon April 1865 7550 tons 319' 10" x 56' x 26' 6" 1-shaft
8 boilers
Penn engine
6500 ihp
14.0 knots		 10 x 9" RML
5 x 7" RML
1885:
10 x 8" BL
4 x 6" BL
6 x 4" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 5"
Battery: 6"
Bulkheads: 5"
Iron		 650 April 1866: Completed
1881 - 1885: Rearmed
1892: Guardship
1904: Renamed Indus III; Stokers' TS (Devonport)
1922: Sold for scrapping

HERCULES

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Hercules February 1868 8680 tons 340' 6" X 59' X 26' 6" 1-shaft
9 boilers
Penn engine
6750 ihp
14.7 knots
1893:
1-shaft
8 boilers
Greenock Foundry engine
8500 ihp
14.6 knots		 8 x 10" RML
2 x 9" RML
4 x 7" RML
1893:
8 x 10" RML
2 x 9" RML
2 x 6" QF
6 x 4.7" QF
9 x 6pdr. QF
13 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x TT		 Belt: 6" - 9"
Battery: 6" - 8"
Bulkheads: 5" - 6"
Iron		 630 November 1868: Completed
1874 - 1875: Refit
1892 - 1893: Reconstructed and rearmed
1893: Reserve
1905: Depot ship (Gibraltar)
1909: Renamed Calcutta
1914: TS (Portsmouth)
1915: Renamed Fisgard II
1932: Sold for scrapping

REPULSE

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Repulse April 1868 6190 tons 252' X 59' X 26' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Penn engine
3350 ihp
12.5 knots		 12 x 8" RML
1880:
12 x 8" RML
4 x 16" TT		 Belt: 4.5" - 6"
Battery: 8"
Bulkheads: 4.5"
Iron		 515 Originally laid down as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
January 1870: Completed
1877 - 1880: Refitted and rearmed
1881: Guardship
1885: Paid off
1889: Sold for scrapping

AUDACIOUS Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Audacious February 1869 6010 tons 341' 3" x 54' x 23' 2" 2-shafts
6 boilers
Ravenhill engines
4830 ihp
13.0 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1883:
10 x 9" RML
8 x 4" BL
6 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
6 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT
1890:
10 x 9" RML
8 x 4" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
6 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 September 1870: Completed
1880 - 1883: Refitted and rearmed
1889 - 1890: Refitted and rearmed
1894: Laid up
1902: Boys' TS
1904: Renamed Fisgard
1914: Receiving ship (Scapa Flow); Renamed Imperieuse
1919: Receiving ship (Rosyth): Renamed Victorious
1929: Sold for scrapping
Invincible May 1869 6010 tons 341' 3" x 54' x 23' 2" 2-shafts
6 boilers
Napier engines
4830 ihp
13.0 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1876:
10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x 14" TT
1885:
10 x 9" RML
6 x 4" BL
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 October 1870: Completed
1876: Refitted and rearmed
1885: Rearmed
1901: Torpedo boat depot ship
1904: Renamed Erebus
1906: TS (Portsmouth); Renamed Fisgard II
1914: Sank whilst en route to Scapa Flow
Vanguard January 1870 6010 tons 341' 3" x 54' x 23' 2" 2-shafts
6 boilers
Laird engines
4830 ihp
13.0 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 September 1870: Completed
1875: Sank after colliding with Iron Duke
Iron Duke March 1870 6010 tons 341' 3" x 54' x 23' 2" 2-shafts
6 boilers
Ravenhill engines
4830 ihp
13.0 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1878:
10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x 14" TT
1885:
10 x 9" RML
6 x 5" BL
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 January 1871: Completed
1877 - 1878: Refitted and rearmed
1883 - 1885: Refitted and rearmed
1890: Reserve
1900: Hulked
1906: Sold for scrapping

SULTAN

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Sultan May 1870 9290 tons 337' x 59' x 28' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Penn engine
7720 ihp
14.0 knots
1896:
1-shaft
6 boilers
Thomson engine
6500 ihp
14.6 knots		 8 x 10" RML
4 x 9" RML
7 x 20 pdr. BL
1879:
8 x 10" RML
4 x 9" RML
7 x 4" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT
1896:
8 x 10" RML
4 x 9" RML
4 x 4.7" QF
9 x 6 pdr. QF
13 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 9"
Battery: 8" - 9"
Bulkheads: 4.5" - 6"
Iron		 633 October 1871: Completed
1876: Refitted
1879: Refitted and rearmed
1889: Sank off Malta; Raised and repaired
1893 - 1896: Reconstructed and rearmed
1896: Reserve
1906: Artificers' TS (Portsmouth); Renamed Fisgard IV
1931: Mechanics' TS
1932: Renamed Sultan
1940: Depot ship (Portsmouth)
1946: Sold for scrapping

SWIFTSURE Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Swiftsure June 1870 6910 tons 291' 3" x 55' x 26' 1" 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
4900 ihp
12.6 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1892:
10 x 9" RML
8 x 4" BL
6 x 20 pdr. BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 June 1872: Completed
1881: Refitted
1885: Refitted
1892: Rearmed
1893: Reserve
1901: Hulked (Portsmouth)
1904: Renamed Orontes
1908: Sold for scrapping
Triumph September 1870 6640 tons 291' 3" x 55' x 26' 1" 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
4900 ihp
12.6 knots		 10 x 9" RML
4 x 6" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1892:
10 x 9" RML
4 x 5" BL
6 x 20 pdr. BL
8 x 6 pdr. QF
8 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Battery: 4" - 6"
Bulkheads: 4" - 5"
Iron		 450 April 1873: Completed
1882: Refitted
1892: Rearmed; Reserve
1900: Depot ship (Portsmouth)
1903: Boys' TS (Chatham)
1904: Renamed Tenedos
1912: renamed Indus IV
1914: Stores ship (Invergordon)
1916: Renamed Algiers
1921: Sold for scrapping

ALEXANDRA

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Alexandra April 1875 9490 tons 325' x 63' 8" x 26' 6" 2-shafts
12 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
8610 ihp
15.1 knots		 2 x 11" RML
10 x 10" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1884:
2 x 11" RML
10 x 10" RML
6 x 4" BL
1891:
4 x 9.2" BL
8 x 10" RML
6 x 4" BL
6 x 6 pdr. QF
12 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 16" TT
1897:
4 x 9.2" BL
8 x 10" RML
6 x 4.7" QF
6 x 6 pdr. QF
12 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 12"
Battery: 8" - 12"
Bulkheads: 5" - 8"
Deck: 2"
Iron		 674 Originally named Superb
January 1877: Completed
1884: Rearmed
1889 - 1891: Reconstructed and rearmed
1897: Rearmed
1901: Reserve
1903: Mechanics' TS (Chatham)
1908: Sold for scrapping

BELLEISLE Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Belleisle February 1876 4870 tons 245' x 52' x 21'1" 2-shafts
4 boilers
Maudslay engines
3200 ihp
12.3 knots		 4 x 12" RML
4 x 20 pdr. BL
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 12"
Battery: 8" - 10"
Bulkheads: 5" - 9"
Deck: 1" - 3"
Iron		 249 Originally laid down for the Turkish Navy with the name Peyk-i-Shereef
1878: Taken over by the British Government; Renamed Belleisle
July 1878: Completed
1879 - 1893: Coastguard (Kingstown)
1900: Target ship
1903: Sunk
1904 Raised and sold for scrapping
Orion January 1879 4870 tons 245' x 52' x 21'1" 2-shafts
4 boilers
Maudslay engines
3200 ihp
12.3 knots		 4 x 12" RML
4 x 20 pdr. BL
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 6" - 12"
Battery: 8" - 10"
Bulkheads: 5" - 9"
Deck: 1" - 3"
Iron		 249 Originally laid down for the Turkish Navy with the name Boordji-Zafer
1878: Taken over by the British Government; Renamed Orion
July 1882: Completed
1888 - 1890: Guardship (Singapore)
1902: Depot ship (Malta)
1910: Renamed Orontes; Store ship
1913: Sold for scrapping

SUPERB

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Superb November 1876 9710 tons 332' 3" x 59' x 26' 6" 1-shaft
9 boilers
Maudslay engine
6580 ihp
13.3 knots
1887:
1-shaft
5 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engine
8500 ihp
14.5 knots		 16 x 10" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1885:
16 x 10" RML
6 x 4" BL
4 x 14" TT
1891:
12 x 10" RML
10 x 6" QF
6 x 6 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14"		 Belt: 7" - 12"
Battery: 12"
Bulkheads: 5" - 10"
Deck: 1.5"
Iron		 640 Originally laid down for the Turkish Navy with the name Hamidieh
1878: Taken over by the British Government; Renamed Superb
November 1880: Completed
1885: Rearmed
1887 - 1891: Reconstructed and rearmed
1904: Accommodation ship
1906: Sold for scrapping

Central Battery/Barbette Ship

TEMERAIRE

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Temeraire May 1876 8450 tons 285' x 62' x 27' 3" 2-shafts
12 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
7520 ihp
14.6 knots		 4 x 11" RML
4 x 10" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1894:
4 x 9.2" BL
4 x 8" BL
6 x 4" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 5.5" - 11"
Battery: 8" - 9"
Barbettes: 8" - 10"
Bulkheads: 5" - 8"
Deck: 1.5" - 2"
Iron		 580 August 1877: Completed
1891: Paid off
1892 - 1894: Refitted and rearmed
1902: Depot ship (Devonport)
1904: Floating workshop; Renamed Indus II
1915: Renamed Akbar; Reformatory ship (Liverpool)
1921: Sold for scrapping

Turret Ships

ROYAL SOVEREIGN

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Royal Sovereign April 1857 5080 tons 240' 6" x 62' x 25' 1-shaft
6 boilers
Maudslay engine
2460 ihp
11.0 knots		 5 x 10.5" RML Belt: 4.5" - 5.5""
Turrets: 5" - 10"
Deck: 1"
Iron		 300 Originally launched as a Steam powered Ship-of-the-Line
1862 - 1864: Converted into Ironclad
August 1864: Completed
1873: Reserve
1885: Sold for scrapping

SCORPION Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Scorpion July 1863 2750 tons 224' 6"' x 42' 6" x 17' 1-shaft
4 boilers
Laird engine
1450 ihp
10.0 knots		 4 x 9" RML Belt: 2" - 4.5"
Turrets: 5" - 10"
Iron		 153 Originally laid down for the Confederate Navy with the name North Carolina (cover name El Tousson)
1863: Seized by the British Government; Renamed Scorpion
October 1865: Completed
1869: Coastal Defence (Bermuda)
1901: Target ship; Sunk by gunfire
1903: Hulk raised and sold for scrapping but sank on the way to the breakers
Wivern August 1863 2750 tons 224' 6"' x 42' 6" x 17' 1-shaft
4 boilers
Laird engine
1450 ihp
10.0 knots		 4 x 9" RML Belt: 2" - 4.5"
Turrets: 5" - 10"
Iron		 153 Originally laid down for the Confederate Navy with the name Mississippi (cover name El Monassir)
1863: Seized by the British Government; Renamed Wivern
October 1865: Completed
1880: Coastal Defence (Hong Kong)
1904: Distilling ship (Hong Kong)
1922: Sold for scrapping

PRINCE ALBERT

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Prince Albert May 1864 3880 tons 244' x 48' 1" x 20' 5" 1-shaft
4 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engine
2130 ihp
11.3 knots		 4 x 9" RML Belt: 3" - 4.5"
Turrets: 5" - 10"
Deck: 1"
Iron		 201 February 1866: Completed
1898: Sold for scrapping

MONARCH

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Monarch May 1868 8300 tons 341' 3" x 57' 6" x 26' 7" 1-shaft
9 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engine
7840 ihp
14.9 knots
1897:
1-shaft
8 boilers
Maudslay engine
8200 ihp
15.8 knots		 4 x 12" RML
3 x 7" RML
1871:
4 x 12" RML
2 x 9" RML
1 x 7" RML
1897:
4 x 12" RML
2 x 9" RML
1 x 7" RML
4 x 12 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 4.5" - 7"
Turrets: 8" - 10"
Bulkheads: 4" - 4.5"
Iron		 575 June 1869: Completed
1871: Rearmed
1890 - 1897: Reconstructed and rearmed
1898 - 1902: Guardship (Capetown)
1902: Depot ship (Simonstown)
1904: Renamed Simoon
1905: Sold for scrapping

CERBERUS Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Cerberus December 1868 3340 tons 235' 3" x 45' x 15' 3" 2-shafts
Maudslay engines
1370 ihp
9.8 knots		 4 x 10" RML Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" - 10"
Deck: 1.5"
Iron		 155 September 1870: Completed
1870: Guardship (Melbourne)
1900: Depot ship (Melbourne)
1918: Renamed Platypus
1924: Sold and sunk as a breakwater for Melbourne Harbour
Magdala March 1870 3340 tons 235' 3" x 45' x 15' 3" 2-shafts
Ravenhill engines
1430 ihp
10.6 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1892:
4 x 8" BL		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" - 10"
Deck: 1.5"
Iron		 155 November 1870: Completed
1871: Guardship (Bombay)
1892: Rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping

CAPTAIN

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Captain March 1869 7767 tons 334' x 53' 3" x 25' 6" 2-shafts
8 boilers
Laird engines
5400 ihp
14.3 knots		 4 x 12" RML
2 x 7" RML		 Belt: 4" - 8"
Turrets: 9" - 10"
Iron		 500 January 1871: Completed
1871:Capsized and sank during a gale

ABYSSINIA

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Abyssinia February 1870 2900 tons 236' 6" x 42' x 14' 6" 2-shafts
Dudgeon engines
1200 ihp
9.6 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1892:
4 x 8" BL		 Belt: 6" - 7"
Breastwork: 7" - 8"
Turrets: 8" - 10"
Iron		 100 October 1870: Completed
1871: Guardship (Bombay)
1892: Rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping

HOTSPUR

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Hotspur March 1870 4010 tons 251' x 50' x 20' 9" 2-shafts
Napier engines
3500 ihp
12.6 knots		 1 x 12" RML
2 x 64 pdr. RML
1883:
2 x 12" RML
2 x 6" BL
8 x 3" BL
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8 - 11"
Breastwork: 8"
Turret: 8.5" -10"
Deck: 1" - 2.75"
Iron		 209 November 1871: Completed
1881 - 1883: Reconstructed and rearmed
1893: Reserve
1897 - 1903: Guardship (Bermuda)
1904: Sold for scrapping

GLATTON

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Glatton March 1871 4910 tons 263' 2" x 54' x 19' 6" 2-shafts
Laird engines
2870 ihp
12.1 knots		 2 x 12" RML
1892:
2 x 12" RML
3 x 6 pdr. QF		 Belt: 10" - 12"
Breastwork: 12"
Turret: 12" - 14"
Deck: 1.5" - 3"
Iron		 185 February 1872: Completed
1872 - 1901: based at Portsmouth
1892: Rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping

DEVASTATION Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Devastation July 1871 9330 tons 311' x 62' 3" x 27' 6" 2-shafts
8 boilers
Penn engines
6650 ihp
13.5 knots
1892:
2-shafts
8 boilers
Maudslay engines
7200 ihp
14.2 knots		 4 x 12" RML
1892:
4 x 10" BL
6 x 6 pdr. QF
8 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8.5" - 12"
Breastwork: 10 - 12"
Turrets: 10" - 14"
Deck: 2" - 3"
Iron		 358 April 1873: Completed
1879: Refitted
1891 - 1892: Refitted and rearmed
1898 - 1902: Guardship (Gibraltar)
1908: Sold for scrapping
Thunderer March 1872 9330 tons 311' x 62' 3" x 27' 6" 2-shafts
8 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
6650 ihp
13.5 knots
1891:
2-shafts
8 boilers
Maudslay engines
7200 ihp
14.2 knots		 4 x 12" RML
1891:
4 x 10" BL
6 x 6 pdr. QF
8 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8.5" - 12"
Breastwork: 10 - 12"
Turrets: 10" - 14"
Deck: 2" - 3"
Iron		 358 May 1877: Completed
1881: Refitted
1889 - 1891: refitted and rearmed
1900: Reserve
1909: Sold for scrapping

CYCLOPS Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Cyclops July 1871 3480 tons 238' 2" x 45' x 16' 3" 2-shafts
Elder engines
1500 ihp
11.0 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1889:
4 x 10" ML
4 x 3 pdr. QF		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" -10"
Iron		 191 May 1877: Completed
1887 - 1889: Refitted and rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping
Hecate September 1871 3480 tons 238' 2" x 45' x 16' 3" 2-shafts
Ravenhill engines
1500 ihp
11.0 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1886:
4 x 10" ML
4 x 3 pdr. QF		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" -10"
Iron		 191 May 1877: Completed
1885 - 1886: Refitted and rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping
Gorgon October 1871 3480 tons 238' 2" x 45' x 16' 3" 2-shafts
Ravenhill engines
1500 ihp
11.0 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1889:
4 x 10" ML
4 x 3 pdr. QF		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" -10"
Iron		 191 March 1874: Completed
1888 - 1889: Refitted and rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping
Hydra December 1871 3480 tons 238' 2" x 45' x 16' 3" 2-shafts
Elder engines
1500 ihp
11.0 knots		 4 x 10" RML
1889:
4 x 10" ML
4 x 3 pdr. QF		 Belt: 6" - 8"
Breastwork: 8" - 9"
Turrets: 9" -10"
Iron		 191 May 1876
1888 - 1889: Refitted and rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping

RUPERT

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Rupert March 1872 5440 tons 267' 4" x 53' x 23' 8" 2-shafts
Napier engines
4200 ihp
12.0 knots
1893:
2-shafts
6000 ihp
14.0 knots		 2 x 10" RML
2 x 64 pdr. RML
1887:
2 x 10" RML
2 x 6" BL
1893:
2 x 9.2" BL
2 x 6" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
6 x 3 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 9" - 11"
Breastwork: 12"
Turret: 12" -14"
Deck: 2" - 3"
Iron		 217 July 1874: Completed
1887: Rearmed
1891 - 1893: Reconstructed and rearmed
1895 - 1902: Guardship (Gibraltar then Egypt)
1904 - 1907: Guardship (Bermuda)
1907: Sold for scrapping

NEPTUNE

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Neptune September 1874 9310 tons 300' x 63' x 25' 1-shaft
8 boilers
Penn engines
8500 ihp
14.3 knots		 4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 9" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 9" - 12"
Turrets: 11" - 13"
Bulkheads: 6" - 8"
Deck: 2" - 3"		 541 Originally laid down for the Brazilian Navy with the name Independencia
1878: Purchased by the British Government; Renamed Neptune
September 1881: Completed
1886: Refitted
1903: Sold for scrapping

DREADNOUGHT

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Dreadnought March 1875 10886 tons 320' x 63' 9" x 26' 2-shafts
12 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
8210 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 12.5" RML
1894:
4 x 12.5" RML
6 x 6 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8" - 14"
Turrets: 14"
Bulkheads: 13"
Deck: 2.5" - 3"
Iron		 369 Originally named Fury
February 1879: Completed
1894: Rearmed
1897: Refitted
1902: Depot ship (Devonport)
1905: Reserve
1908: Sold for scrapping

INFLEXIBLE

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Inflexible April 1876 11880 tons 344' x 75' x 26' 6" 2-shafts
12 boilers
Elder engines
8400 ihp
14.8 knots		 4 x 16" RML
6 x 20 pdr. BL
1885:
4 x 16" RML
8 x 4" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT
1897:
4 x 16" RML
8 x 4.7" QF
4 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 16" - 24"
Turrets: 16" - 17"
Bulkheads: 14" - 22"
Deck: 3"
Iron		 440 October 1881: Completed
1885: Refitted and rearmed
1897: Rearmed; Reserve
1903: Sold for scrapping

AGAMEMNON Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Agamemnon September 1879 8510 tons 301' 9" x 66' x 24' 2-shafts
10 boilers
Penn engines
6000 ihp
13.0 knots		 4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" BL
1886:
4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" BL
6 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT
1897:
4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" QF
6 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 15" - 18"
Bulkheads: 13.5" - 16.5"
Deck: 3"
Iron
Turrets: 14" - 16"
Iron & Compound		 345 March 1883: Completed
1886: Refitted and rearmed
1897: Rearmed
1903: Sold for scrapping
Ajax March 1880 8510 tons 301' 9" x 66' x 24' 2-shafts
10 boilers
Penn engines
6000 ihp
13.0 knots		 4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" BL
1886:
4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" BL
6 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT
1897:
4 x 12.5" RML
2 x 6" QF
6 x 6 pdr. QF
4 x 14" TT		 Belt: 15" - 18"
Bulkheads: 13.5" - 16.5"
Deck: 3"
Iron
Turrets: 14" - 16"
Iron & Compound		 345 March 1883: Completed
1886: Refitted and rearmed
1897: Rearmed
1904: Sold for scrapping

CONQUEROR Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Conqueror September 1881 6200 tons 288' x 58' x 24' 3" 2-shafts
8 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
4500 ihp
14.0 knots		 2 x 12" BL
4 x 6" BL
7 x 6 pdr. QF
5 x 3 pdr. QF
6 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8" - 12"
Turret: 12" - 14"
Deck: 2.5"
Compound		 330 March 1886: Completed
1889: Gunnery school TS
1902: Paid off
1907: Sold for scrapping
Hero October 1885 6440 tons 288' x 58' x 24' 3" 2-shafts
8 boilers
Rennie engines
4500 ihp
14.0 knots		 2 x 12" BL
4 x 6" BL
7 x 6 pdr. QF
5 x 3 pdr. QF
6 x 14" TT		 Belt: 8" - 12"
Turret: 12" - 14"
Deck: 2.5"
Compound		 330 May 1888: Completed
1888: Gunnery school TS
1907: Target ship
1908: Sunk

COLOSSUS Class

Name Launched Displacement Dimensions Machinery Armament Armour Crew Notes
Edinburgh March 1882 9150 tons 325' x 68' x 26' 4" 2-shafts
10 boilers
Humphreys & Tennant engines
6000 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 12" BL
5 x 6" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 14" - 16"
Turrets: 14" - 16"
Bulkheads: 13" - 16"
Deck: 3"
Compound		 396 Originally named Majestic
July 1887: Completed
1894: Coastguard (Hull and Queensferry)
1897: Reserve
1899: Gunnery ship
1908: Target ship
1910: Sold for scrapping
Colossus May 1882 9150 tons 325' x 68' x 26' 4" 2-shafts
10 boilers
Maudslay engines
6000 ihp
14.0 knots		 4 x 12" BL
5 x 6" BL
4 x 6 pdr. QF
10 x 3 pdr. QF
2 x 14" TT		 Belt: 14" - 16"
Turrets: 14" - 16"
Bulkheads: 13" - 16"
Deck: 3"
Compound		 396 October 1886: Completed
1901: paid off
1904: Depot ship (Portsmouth)
1908: Sold for scrapping

Key

- = Unknown
BL = Breech Loading Gun
cwt. = 112 lbs.
ihp = indicated horse power
pdr. = pounder
QF = Quick Firing Gun
RML = Rifled Muzzle Loading Gun
SBML = Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading Gun
tons = 20 cwt. or 2240 lbs.
TS = Training Ship
TT = Torpedo Tubes

For images of the ships listed here, click on the appropriate link.

© Robert George Cordery (2005)