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Period of "Pax Britannica", 1815-1914


BRITISH BATTLESHIPS, HMS WARRIOR to the DREADNOUGHT, 1860 to 1905


Based on Conway's "All the World's Fighting Ships 1860-1905"


Sinking of HMS Victoria, 22 June 1893 (click to enlarge)

return to "Pax Britannica", 1815-19148



Introduction

Following the complex story of battleships from the wooden walls of Nelson to the dreadnoughts of the 20th century is not easy. This is an attempt to do so with a photographic summary of the information in Conway's "All the World's Fighting Ships, 1860-1905", but with an emphasis on propulsion, armour and armament. There are links to introductions to these technologies.

This information has not been cross-checked, but other sources, including the internet, have been consulted for clarification. The books used include:


"All the World's Fighting Ships, 1906-1921", Conway's, 1985


"Battleships and Battlecruisers: A Technical Directory off all the World's Capital Ships" by Tony Gibbon, 1983


"Evolution of Engineering in the Royal Navy", Vol 1: 1827-1939, by Commander P M Rippon. RN


"Steam, Steel and Shellfire: The Steam Warship 1815-1905", Conway's History of the Ship, 1992


"Warrior to Dreadnought: Warship Design and Development 1860-1905" by David K Brown, 1997

"Civil History of the Royal Navy 1857-1900", Chapter 46, Vol 7 of "The Royal Navy: A History" by Sir William Laird Clowes, 1903

Clowes analysis of battleship developments in this period is particularly valuable. As a result the order in which he lists the different classes has been used here, instead of Conway's.

Major developments in the Royal Navy are in bold italics, but this is not to imply they were all of British origin. Other nations such as France, Russia, Italy and US made similar progress, followed by the Germans and the Japanese.

Unless otherwise captioned, the images are from Photo Ships, for which my thanks.

Gordon Smith, Naval-History.Net
   
Contents
(Class refers to the categories derived by Clowes)



Class 1 - Royal Navy's Response to French Broadside Ironclad Gloire


Class 2 - Development of a Variety of New-build Central Battery Ironclads

Class 3 - Various Ironclads, including Coast Defence, Rams, Armoured Cruisers and Gunboats

Class 4 - Various Ironclads Leading up to the "pre-Dreadnoughts"

Class 5 - Battleship Development up to HMS Dreadnought, mainly 1st-class, but some smaller 2nd-class Battleships

Arrival of the Dreadnought



 




INTRODUCTION TO SHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Main Class Characteristics


Class name, ship type including hull material, masted or not, type of gun mountings etc. Plus other ships of class. For name ship - year construction started, launch and completion years, displacement tonnage, length and beam, followed by notes.

Guns continued to be mounted on a broadside within the hull, no different to ships of the Napoleonic Wars. This was followed by the introduction of  central batteries, barbettes and turrets.
Machinery as designed
(name ship)

Listed in order boilers, engines, propeller shafts, horse power and speed.

Boilers went from rectangular to cylindrical and water tube, pressures increased from 20psi to 300+psi.

A variety of reciprocating steam engines developed from single expansion to compound and finally triple expansion.

Armour as designed
 (name ship)

Started with hull belt and internal bulkheads. Went on to include citadel, barbettes, gun houses or turrets, conning tower, and decks.

Armour developed from wrought iron to steel, compound, nickel steel, Harvey and Krupp.

Armament as listed
 (name ship)

Developments include muzzle-loading smoothbore (SB), breech-loading smoothbore (BL), muzzle-loading rifled barrel (MLR), breech-loading rifled (also BL), to wire-wound barrels.

Mounts developed from gun carriages to turrets, barbettes and back to turrets.

Introduction to Gunnery in preparation
Representative Images


All images are thanks to Photo Ships unless otherwise identified.

One observation - the challenge of keeping masts, rigging and sails clean in the presence of smoke-belching funnels.


Class 1 - ROYAL NAVY'S RESPONSE TO THE FRENCH BROADSIDE IRONCLAD GLOIRE



FS Gloire, iron armour on wooden hull


Class 1.1 Ten New Build Iron-hulled Ironclads


HMS WARRIOR
the first British ironclad, but built on an iron hull

WARRIOR-class broadside ironclad, iron-hulled, masted, also Black Prince (2)

1859/60/61 (2 yrs), 9137t, 380ft ppx58ft

First ocean-going iron armoured ships. Designated armoured frigate as it had a single gun-deck, and reclassified as armoured cruisers c 1880.
Warrior has been fully restored and is moored in Portsmouth, England.
10 rectangular boilers,
Penn HSET (Horizontal Single Expansion Trunk), 2-cyl, double-acting, engine,
1 shaft,
5267ihp = 14kts,
coal 850t

Early ironclad boiler pressure listed as 20psi.
Iron armour
belt 4.5in with 18in wood backing,
bulkheads 4.5in.
completed as:
10-110pdr BL (breech-loading),
26-68pdr SB (muzzle-loading smooth bore),
4-70pdr BL.

listed in 1867 as:
4-8in MLR (muzzle-loading rifled),
28-7in MLR,
4-20pdr BL.


HMS Warrior (Cyber-Heritage)
DEFENCE-class broadside ironclad, iron-hulled, masted, also Resistance (2)

1859/61/61 (2 yrs), 6150t, 280ft ppx54ft

Smaller version of Warrior, but ram bow


4 rectangular boilers,
Penn HSET engine,
1 shaft,
2540ihp = 11.5kts,
coal 460t
belt 4.5in with 18in wood backing,
bulkheads 4.5in
completed as:
8-7in BL,
10-68pdr SB,
4-5in BL.

listed in 1867 as:
2-8in MLR,
14-7in MLR.


HMS Resistance
HECTOR-class broadside ironclad, iron-hulled, masted, also Valiant (2)

1861/62/64 (3 yrs), 6710t, 280ft ppx56ft

Similar to Defence, part of HMS Vernon torpedo school in 1900.

At Vernon, became first ship fitted with a wireless transmitter.

6 boilers,
Maudslay HRCR (Horizontal Return Connecting Rod) engine,
1 shaft,
3260ihp = 12.5kts,
coal 450t.
belt and battery 4.5in,
bulkheads 2.5in.
completed with:
4-7in BL, upper deck,
20-68pdr SB, battery deck.

listed as:
2-8in MLR,
16-7in MLR.

HMS Hector
ACHILLES, broadside ironclad, iron-hulled, masted

1861/63/64 (3 yrs), 9829t, 380ft ppx58ft

Modified Warrior

Only British warship to have four masts, but bow mast removed in 1865.
10 rectangular boilers,
Penn HSET engine
1 shaft,
5720ihp = 14.5kts,
coal 1000t.

Boiler pressure increased to 25psi.
belt 4.5in with 18in wood backing,
bulkheads 4.5in,
battery 4.5in.
completed with:
4-110pdr BL, upper deck,
16-100pdr SB, at middle ports.

listed in 1868 as:
22-7in MLR,
4-8in MLR.
HMS Achilles ( (c) National Maritime Museum)
MINOTAUR-class, broadside ironclad, iron-hulled, masted, also Agincourt, Northumberland (3)

1861/63/68 (7 yrs), 10,690t, 400ft  ppx59ft

Enlarged Achilles

Fitted with five masts of varying rig. B
y 1875 Minotaur was first RN ship to carry a searchlight.
10 rectangular boilers,
Penn 2 cyl HT (Horizontal Trunk) engine,
1 shaft,
6700ihp = 14.5kts

Northumberland, first ship equipped with steam steering gear.
belt and battery 5.5in amidships and 4.5in at ends with 10in wood backing
bulkhead 5.5in

Northumberland equipped with conning tower, 4.5in.
listed as:
4-9in MLR
24-7in MLR
8-24pdr SB

HMS Minotaur


Class 1.2 - Conversion of Wooden 2nd Rates Building to Armoured Warships

In response to the French building programme, seven wooden 2nd rates building were converted to armoured warships. The first four were completed quickly - the Royal Oak and three Prince Consort class. The Royal Alfred, Zealous and Repulse were delayed until the first four could be assessed.

ROYAL OAK, broadside ironclad, wood-hulled, masted

1860/62/63 (3 yrs), 6366t, 273ft ppx58ft

Laid down as wooden 2nd Rate/91 guns. Clowes lists her as a Prince Consort sister-ship
6 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
3000ihp = 12.5kts,
coal 550t.
belt and battery 4.5in. completed with:
8-7in BLR,
24-68pdr SB.

listed in 1867 as:
4-8in MLR,
20-7in MLR.

HMS Royal Oak
PRINCE CONSORT, broadside ironclad, wood-hulled, masted, also Caledonia, Ocean

1860/62/64 (4 yrs), 6832t, 273ft ppx24ft

Laid down as 2nd Rates/91 guns, designated as armoured frigate, half-sisters to Royal Oak.
8 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
1000nhp = 12.5kts.
belt and battery 4.5in amidships, 3in forward and aft.
completed with:
7-7in BLR,
8-100pdr SB,
16-68pdr SB.

listed in 1867 as:
4-8in MLR.
20-7in MLR.

HMS Ocean (Wikipedia)

The four delayed ships -  Zealous, Royal Alfred and Repulse

ZEALOUS, central battery ironclad, wood-hulled, masted

1859/64/66 (7 yrs),  6096t, 252ft ppx58ft

Laid down as 2nd Rate/90, designated as armoured frigate.
6 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
3623ihp = 11.5kts
belt and battery 4.5in,
bulkheads 3in.
20-7in MLR.
HMS Zealous
ROYAL ALFRED, central battery ironclad, wood-hulled, masted

1859/64/67 (8 yrs), 6707t, 273ft ppx58ft

Laid down as 2nd Rate/90, designated as armoured frigate with box battery and armour as for the later Bellerophon (completed in 1866).
6 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
3230ihp = 12.5kts.
belt and battery 6in,
bulkheads 4.5in.
10-9in MLR
8-7in MLR

HMS Royal Alfred
REPULSE, central battery ironclad, wood-hulled, masted

1859/68/70 (11 yrs), 6190t, 252ft ppx59ft

Laid down as 2nd Rate/90, similar to Zealous with shorter box battery

Last wooden capital ship completed for RN.

6 rectangular boilers,
Penn HT engine,
1 shaft,
3350ihp = 12.5kts
belt and battery 6in,
bulkheads 4.5in.
12-8in MLR.

4-16in torpedo carriages with 12 torpedoes by 1880.

HMS Repulse


Class 1.3 - Conversion of Other Wooden Vessels to Armoured Warships

ROYAL SOVEREIGN, coast defence turret ship, wood-hulled, mastless

1849/57/64 (13 yrs), 5080t, 240ft pp x 62ft

ex-121 gun 1st rate.

First RN turret ship completed
. Note: coast defence turret ship Prince Albert, although designed earlier was not completed until 1866.
Maudslay 2 cyl HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
2460ihp = 11kts
Belt 5.5in-4.5in,
turrets 10in-5.5in,
conning tower 5.5in,
upper deck 1in.
5-10.5in (3xl, W) SB.
HMS Royal Sovereign
FAVORITE, central battery ironclad corvette, wood-hulled, masted

1860/64/66 (6 yrs), 3232t, 225ft ppx46ft

Laid down as screw corvette. Name is French spelling
4 boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant 2 cyl DA (Direct Acting) engine,
1 shaft,
1770ihp = 12kts
belt 4.5in with 26in wood backing,
battery 4.5in with 19in wood backing,
bulkheads 4.5in.
8-100pdr SB
HMS Favorite
RESEARCH, central battery ironclad Sloop, wood-hulled, masted

1861/63/64 (3 yrs), 1743t, 195ft ppx38ft

Laid down as 17 gun screw sloop, first small ironclad and first box battery ship
2 tubular boilers,
Watt 2 cyl HDA (Horizontal Direct Acting) engine
1 shaft,
1040ihp = 10.5kts.
belt, battery and bulkheads 4.5in, backing 19.5in wood. 4-100pdr 'Somerset' SB (method of firing guns fore and aft as well as on the broadside)
HMS Research


Class 1.4 - Interim New Build Wooden-Hulled Ironclads


"It has been said that the iron-hulled armoured ship Warrior was laid down in the spring of 1859; yet it should be added here that, for several years later, the Admiralty seemed unable to make up its mind whether, after all, iron was or was not to be the building material of future heavy fighting ships. In that period of apparent doubt and hesitation it caused both iron-hulled and wooden-hulled armoured ships to be constructed. The wooden-hulled ones are briefly noted below:  

Lord Clyde and Lord Warden, Pallas, Enterprise (Clowes)

LORD CLYDE-class broadside ironclad, wood-hulled, masted, also Lord Warden  (2)

1863/64/66 (3 yrs), 7750t, 280ft pp x 59ft

Frigate, based on Bellerophon

Last of the broadside ships

Lord Warden was the
heaviest wooden ship ever built
9 rectangular boilers,
Ravenhill 2 cyl HT engine,
1 shaft,
6064ihp = 13.5kts
belt and battery 5.5in amidships, 4.5in ends with 6in wood backing,
conning tower 4.5in.
completed with:
24-7in MLR.

listed as:
2-9in MLR,
14-8in MLR,
2-7in MLR,
2-20pdr BL.

HMS Lord Clyde
PALLAS, central batterv ironclad corvette, wood-hulled, masted

1863/65/66 (3 yrs), 3661t, 225ft pp x 50ft

Purpose built, intended as iron ship, but built in wood to use up existing timber stocks
4 rectangular boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant HC (Horizontal Compound) 2HP/2LP cyl engine,
1 shaft,
3580ihp = 12.5kts

First warship fitted with compound steam engine
belt, battery and bulkheads 4.5in with 22in wood backing,
conning tower added by 1872.
4-7in MLR,
2-7in BL.

HMS Pallas 
ENTERPRISE, central battery ironclad sloop, composite-hull, masted

1862/64/64 (2 yrs), 1350t, 180ft ppx36ft

Laid down as wooden screw sloop, first composite construction - partly iron hull on wood frame.
2 tubular boilers,
Ravenhill 2 cyl HDA engine,
1 shaft,
690ihp = 10kts
belt, battery and bulkheads 4.5in, backing 19.5in wood 2-100pdr SB,
2-110pdr BL.

HMS Enterprise


Class 2 - DEVELOPMENT OF A VARIETY OF NEW-BUILD CENTRAL BATTERY IRONCLADS

"The rise of the iron-built, sea-going ironclad, and its development may now be studied without further interruption" (Clowes)



BELLEROPHON, central battery ironclad, masted

1863/65/66 (3 yrs), 7551t, 300ft pp x 56ft

Next stage in ironclad design

200-300t steel employed to save hull weight.
8 rectangular boilers,
Penn 2 cyl HT ,
1 shaft,
6521ihp = 14kts

First RN ship with balanced rudder.
belt and battery 6in with 10in wood backing,
bulkheads 5in,
conning tower 8in.
10-9in MLR,
5-7in MLR.

Two launching carriages for 16in Whitehead torpedoes fitted by 1884.

HMS Bellerophon
PENELOPE, central battery armoured corvette, masted

1865/67/68 (3 yrs), 4470t, 260ft pp x 50ft

Last small ironclad, but classified as armoured corvette
4 boilers,
Maudslay 3 cyl HRCR engine,
2 shaft,
4763hp = 12.5kts.

First British warship listed here as twin screw - because of shallow draught.
belt 6in with 10-11in wood backing,
bulkheads 4.5in,
battery 6in,
8-8in MLR,
3-5in BLR,
2-20pdr BLR.

HMS Penelope
HERCULES, central battery ironclad, masted

1866/68/68 (2 yrs), 8677t, 325ft pp x 59ft

Enlarged Bellerophon
9 rectangular boilers,
Penn 2 cyl HT engine,
1 shaft,
7178ihp = 14.5kts.

Boiler pressure increased to 30psi.
belt 9in-6in with 10in-20in wood backing,
bulkheads 6in-5in,
battery 8in-6in.
8-10in MLR
2-9in MLR
4-7in MLR

2-14in TC's fitted 1878, and net defence in 1886.

HMS Hercules
AUDACIOUS, central battery ironclad, masted, also Invincible, Iron Duke, Vanguard (4)

1867/69/70 (3 yrs), 5909t, 280ft pp x 54ft

Design based on Defence, referred to as 2nd-class ironclads for service on foreign stations
6 rectangular boilers,
2-2 cyl HRCR engines,
2 shaft,
4020ihp = 13kts.
belt 8-6in with 10in-8in wood backing,
bulkheads 5in,
battery 6in.
10-9in MLR,
4-6in MLR,
6-20pdr BL saluting.

HMS Audacious

HMS SULTAN
Ran aground in Comino Channel between Malta and Gozo 6 March 1889, flooded and sank. Later raised and modernised

SULTAN, central battery ironclad, masted

1868/70/71 (3 yrs), 9290t, 325ft pp x 59ft

Improved Hercules
Penn 2 cyl HT engine,
1 shaft,
7720ihp = 14kts
belt 9in-6in with 10-12in wood backing,
bulkheads 6in-4.5in,
main battery 9in,
upper battery 8in.
8-10in MLR,
4-9in MLR,
7-20pdr BL saluting.

Refitted in 1879 to carry two torpedo boats.

HMS Sultan
SWIFTSURE, central battery ironclad, masted, also Triumph (2)

1868/70/72 (4 yrs), 6910t, 280ft pp x 55ft

2nd-class, modified Audacious for Pacific service

First British iron-hulled capital ships sheathed in wood and copper because iron fouled more quickly than wood.
6 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay 2 cyl HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
4910ihp = 13.75kts

Last ships fitted with lifting screws.
belt 8in-6in with 8in-10in wood backing,
bulkheads 5in-4in,
battery 6in,
10-9in MLR,
4-6in MLR,
6-20pdr BL saluting.

HMS Triumph
ALEXANDRA, central battery ironclad, masted

1873/75/77 (4 yrs), 9492t, 325ft pp x 63ft

Improved Sultan.
12 cylindrical boilers,
Humphreys 2 cyl VIC (Vertical Inverted Compound) engine,
2 shaft,
8498ihp = 15kts

First vertical inverted compound engine.

Boiler pressure increased to 60psi.
belt 12in-6in with 10in-12in wood backing,
bulkheads 8in-5in,
main battery 12in,
upper battery 8in,
deck 1in-1.5in.
2-11in MLR,
10-10in MLR,
6-20pdr BL saluting,
4 TC.

HMS Alexandra
SUPERB, central battery ironclad, masted

1873/75/80 (7 yrs), 9710t, 332ft pp x 59ft

ex-Turkish, enlarged Hercules
9 rectangular boilers,
Maudslay 2 cyl HDA engine,
1 shaft,
6580ihp = 13kts,
belt 12in-7in with 8in-12in backing,
bulkheads 10in,
battery 12in,
conning tower 8in
decks l.5in
16-10in MLR,
4-14in TL.



right - after 1891 refit, including new engines, boilers, funnels, masts and armament

HMS Superb
BELLEISLE, armoured Rams, mastless, also Orion (2)

1874/76/78 (4 yrs), 4870t, 245ft pp x 52ft

ex-Turkish, reclassified as 2nd class battleship, then coast defence ships
4 boilers,
Maudslay 2 cyl HDA engine,
2 shaft,
4040ihp = 13kts.
belt 12in-6in with 10in-16in backing,
bulkheads 9in-5in,
battery 10.5in-8in,
conning tower 9in,
main deck 3in-2in,
4-12in MLR,
4-20pdr,
2-14in TL.

HMS Belleisle


Class 3 - VARIOUS IRONCLADS, including COAST DEFENCE, RAMS, ARMOURED CRUISERS and GUNBOATS



Note:
1. HMS Viper, Vixen, Waterwitch, class of three armoured gunboats, and partially belted cruisers HMS Shannon, Nelson, Northampton in the above list, are not included in the  Conway's capital ships section following.
2. All ships had iron hulls.
3. All heavy guns were muzzle loaders.

SCORPION-class armoured turret ships, masted, also Wivern (2)

1862/63/65, 2751t, 224ft pp x 42ft 4in

Seized while building for Confederate States of America during Civil War
4 boilers,
Lairds 2 cyl HDA engine,
1 shaft,
1450ihp = 10.5kts.
belt 4.5in-2in with 8in-10in wood backing,
turrets 10in-5in.
4-9in MLR (2x2)
HMS Scorpion
PRINCE ALBERT, coast defence turret ship, mastless

1862/64/66 (4 yrs), 3687t, 240ft pp x 48ft

4 rectangular boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant 2 cyl HDA engine,
1 shaft,
2128ihp = 11kts
belt 4.5in with 18in wood backing,
turrets 10in-5.5in with 14in wood backing,
upper deck 1 1/8in
4-9in MLR

First British iron-hulled turret ship (coast defence)
, designed before Royal Sovereign, although the latter was completed earlier in 1864

HMS Prince Albert
MONARCH, turret ship, masted

1866/68/69 (3 yrs), 8322t, 330ft pp x 57ft

First seagoing turret ship
9 boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant 2 cyl HRCR engine,
1 shaft,
7842ihp = 15kts
belt 7in-4.5in with 12in-10in backing,
bulkheads 4.5in-4in,
turrets 10in-8in,
conning tower 8in.
4-12in MLR,
3-7in MLR.

Equipped with auxiliary machinery for steering, capstan and turret training.

HMS Monarch
CERBERUS-class coast defence monitors, mastless, also Magdala (2)

1867/68/70 (3 yrs), 3344t, 225ft pp x 45ft

Built for colonial service at Melbourne and Bombay, Cerberus' hull survives as a breakwater near Melbourne
Maudslay engine (2 horizontal, 2-cyl, double-acting steam engine - HDA, Wiki),
2 shaft,
1369ihp=10kts
belt 8in-6in with 11in-9in wood backing,
breastwork 9in-8in,
turrets 10in-9in,
decks 1in-1.5in.
4-10in MLR (2x2)

Mastless design gave fore and aft turrets almost uninterrupted arcs of fire.

HMS Cerberus (Australian War Memorial)
CAPTAIN, turret ship, masted

1867/69/70 (3 yrs), 7767t, 320ft pp x 53ft

Similar to Monarch but with turrets one deck lower. Lost in 1879 in near hurricane, caused by low level of  stability.
8 rectangular boilers,
4 cyl HT engine,
2 shaft,
5400ihp = 15.25kts
belt 8in-4in,
turrets 10in-9in,
conning tower 7in.
4-12in MLR (2x2),
2-7in MLR,

HMS Captain
ABYSSINIA, coast defence monitor, mastless

1868/70/70 (2 yrs), 2901t, 225ft pp x 42ft

Also for colonial service at Bombay, smaller and cheaper version of Cerberus
Dudgeon single expansion engine (2 x 2-cyl single expansion, Wiki),
2 shaft,
1200ihp= 10kts.
belt 7in-6in with 11in-9in wood backing,
breastwork 8in-7in,
turrets 10in-8in.
4-10in MLR (2x2)

HMS Abyssinia
GLATTON, coast defence and attack (breastwork) monitor, mastless

1868/71/73 (5 yrs), 4912t, 245ft pp x 54ft

Designed for attacking enemy coasts, also as coast defence ship
Laird engines,
2 shaft,
2870ihp = 12kts
belt 12in-10in with 21in-15in wood backing,
bulkhead 12in,
breastwork 12in,
turret 14in-12in,
conning tower 9in-6in,
decks 3in-1.5in.
2-12in MLR (1x2)
HMS Glatton
HOTSPUR, ironclad ram, mastless

1868/70/71 (3 yrs), 4331t, 235ft pp x 50ft

Similar to Glatton, relegated to coast defence ship
Napier steam engines,
2 shaft,
3500ihp = 12.5kts
belt 11in-8in,
breastwork 8in,
gun house 10in-8.5in,
conning tower 10in-6in,
decks 2.5in-1in

Refitted with compound and steel armour by 1883.
1-12in MLR,
2-64pdr MLR.

HMS Hotspur
CYCLOPS-class coast defence monitors, mastless, also Gorgon, Hecate, Hydra (4)

1870/71/77 (7 yrs), 3480t, 225ft pp x 45ft

Repeats of Cerberus
John Elder 2 cyl CE (compound expansion) engine,
2 shaft,
1660ihp = 11kts
belt 8in-6in with 11in-9in backing,
breastwork 9in-8in, turrets 10in-9in,
Cconning tower 9in-8in,
decks l.5in.
4-10in MLR (2x2).
HMS Hecate
DEVASTATION-class turret ships, mastless, also Thunderer (2)

1869/71/73 (4 yrs), 9330t, 285ft pp x 62ft

Enlarged version of Cerberus, described as "revolutionary vessels" - first mastless, seagoing turret ships, and a pattern for future battleships
8 rectangular boilers,
2 cyl Penn Trunk Engines,
2 shafts,
6640ihp = 14kts
belt 12in-8.5in with 18in-16in wood backing,
bulkheads 6in-5in,
breastwork 12in-10in,
turrets 14in-10in,
conning tower 9in-6in,
decks 3in-2in.
4-12in MLR (2x2)

Thunderer - first ship to use hydraulic loading gear; in forward turret.

HMS Devastation
RUPERT, ironclad ram, mastless

1870/72/74 (4 yrs), 5440t, 250ft pp x 53ft

Enlarged Hotspur with Glatton-type turret
Napier engines,
2 shaft,
4630ihp= 13.5kts

Equipped with triple Expansion engines by 1893.
belt 11in-9in with 14in-10in wood backing,
breastwork 10in,
turrets 14in-12in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 3in-2in,
2-10in MLR (1x2),
2-64pdr MLR

HMS Rupert
NEPTUNE, turret ship, masted

1873/74/81 (8 yrs), 9130t, 300ft pp x 63ft

Ex-Brazilian, improved Monarch
8 rectangular boilers,
2 cyl Penn HT engine,
1 shaft,
7993ihp = 14kts.
belt 12in-9in,
citadel 10in sides, 8in bulkheads,
turrets 13in-11in,
conning tower 8in-6in,
decks 3in-2in.
4-12in MLR (2x2),
2-9in MLR,
6-20pdr BL,
2-14in TC.

HMS Neptune
DREADNOUGHT, turret ship, mastless

1870/75/79 (9 yrs), 10,886t, 320ft pp x 63ft

Enlarged Devastation
12 cyl boilers,
2 cyl Humphreys & Tennant VCE (Vertical Compound Expansion),
2 shaft,
8206ihp = 14.5kts,
coal 1800t.
belt 14in-8in with 18in-15in wood backing,
citadel 14in-11in,
conning tower 14in-6in,
decks 3in-2.5in,
4-12.5in MLR (2x2)
HMS Dreadnought
TEMERAIRE, central battery/barbette ship, masted

1873/76/77 (4 yrs), 8540t, 285ft pp x 62ft

Hybrid build with guns in a  central battery, as well as 2-11in guns on Moncrieff disappearing mountings in barbettes, one fore and one aft.
12 cylindrical boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant 2 cyl VIC (Vertical Inverted Compound),
2 shaft,
7697ihp = 14.5kts
belt 11in-5.5in with 10in-12in wood backing,
bulkheads 8in-5in,
battery 6in,
barbettes 10in-8in,
deck 1.5in-1in.

4-11in MLR,
4-10in MLR,
4-20pdr BL,
2TL.

The first British battleships with guns mounted in barbettes

HMS Temeraire
INFLEXIBLE, turret ship, masted

1874/76/81 (7 yrs), 11,880t, 320ft pp x 75ft

Built in answer to the Italian Duilio with its 4-17.7in guns.
12 cyl boilers,
3 cyl Elder CE (Compound Expansion) engines,
2 shaft,
8407ihp = 14.5kts
citadel 24in-16in sides , 22in-14in bulkheads,
turrets 17in-16in
conning tower 12in.
decks 3in.

24in was the thickest armour in the RN

First ship to use compound armour for turrets and citadel
4-16in MLR (2x2) ,
6-20pdr BL,
2-14in TT sub,
2-14in TC,


The 16in were the heaviest MLR's in the RN.

First ship to have submerged TT.

HMS Inflexible
AGAMEMNON-class turret ships, mastless, also Ajax (2)

1876/79/83 (7 yrs), 8510t, 280ft pp x 66ft

Small version of Inflexible
10 tubular boilers,
3 cyl Penn IC (Inverted Compound) engines,
2 shaft,
6000ihp = 13kts

Inverted compound engines continued to be installed until the building of triple expansion-engined HMS Victoria, laid down in 1885.
citadel 18in-15in sides, 16.5in-13.5in bulkheads,
turrets 16in-14in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 3in.
4-12.5in MLR (2x2),
2-6in BL (2xl),
6-6pdr QF,
2 TC.

Last British capital ships armed with muzzle loaders.

First ship to have a secondary armament.

HMS Agamemnon


Class 4 - VARIOUS IRONCLADS LEADING to the "PRE-DREADNOUGHTS"




Notes:
1. Armoured cruisers Imperieuse and Warspite, and the class of six Orlandos in the above list, are not included in the  Conway's capital ships section following.
2. Ram ships were built by various nations following the apparently successful ramming of a ship during the Italian/Austro-Hungarian Battle of Lissa 1866.
3. Battleships are no longer carrying masts for sailing rigs.
4. All ships had steel hulls, twin-screws and fitted for the discharge of Whitehead torpedoes

CONQUEROR-class turret rams, also Hero (2)

1879/81/86 (7 yrs), 6200t, 270ft pp x 58ft

Improved Rupert, too small for ocean-going, but too big for coast defence
8 cyl boilers,
Humphreys 3 cyl IC engines,
2 shaft,
4500ihp = 14kts
belt 12in-8in,
bulkhead 11in,
citadel 12in-10.5in,
turret 14in-12in,
conning tower 12in-6in,
decks 2.5in-1.5in.
2-12in BL (1x2),
4-6in BL (4xl),
7-6pdr QF (7xl),
5-3pdr QF (5xl),
6-14in TT aw.

HMS Conqueror
COLOSSUS-class turret ships, also Edinburgh (2)

1879/82/86 (7 yrs), 9420t, 325ft pp x 68ft

Enlarged Ajax/Agamemnon class

First British battleship class to use steel for majority of the hull.
Maudslay 3 cyl IC engines,
2 shaft,
7488ihp = 16.5kts.
citadel 18in-14in sides, 16in-13in bulkheads,
turrets 16in-14in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 3in-2.5in.

Compound armour for hull as well as turrets.
4-12in BL (2x2),
5-6in BL (5xl),
4-6pdr QF (4xl),
2-14in TT.

First British battleship (but see Conqueror-class turret ram above) to carry large breech-loading guns, and a "useful" 6in secondary armament.

HMS Edinburgh (Cyber-Heritage)

Designs leading up to "pre-Dreadnought" battleship, from barbettes to turrets, and engines from inverted compound to triple expansion, starting with the Admiral-type barbette ships

COLLINGWOOD, Admiral-type barbette ship

1880/82/87 (7 yrs), 9500t, 325ft pp x 68ft

Pattern for British battleships until HMS Dreadnought

12 cyl boilers,
Humphreys 2 cyl IC,
2 shaft,
9600ihp = 17kts

Boiler pressure 90psi.

First major warship with forced-draught to boilers.
belt 18in-8in,
bulkheads 16in-7in,
barbettes 11.5in-10in,
conning tower 12in-2in,
decks 3in-2in.
4-12in BL (2x2),
6-6in BL (6xl),
12-6pdr (12xl),
8-3pdr (8xl),
4-14in TT aw.

First British all-barbette ship for main guns

6in guns to provide defence against torpedo boats.

HMS Collingwood
ANSON, Admiral-type barbette ships, also Camperdown, Howe, Rodney (4) (Camperdown rammed and sank Victoria 22 June 1993)

1883/86/89 (6 yrs), 10,600t, 330ft pp x 68ft

Collingwood repeats
12 cyl boilers,
Humphreys 3 cyl IC,
2 shaft,
11,500ihp = 17kts.
belt 18in-8in,
bulkheads 11.5in-7in,
barbettes 14in-12in,
conning tower 12in-2in,
decks 3in-2.5in.
4-13.5in BL (2x2),
6-6in BL (6xl),
12-6pdr (I2xl),
10-3pdr (10xl),
5-14in TT aw (1 bow, 4 broadside).

HMS Anson
BENBOW, Admiral-type
barbette ship

1882/85/88 (6 yrs), 10,600t, 330ft pp x 68ft

Last of Admiral-type.
12 cyl boilers,
Maudslay 3 cyl IC,
2 shaft,
10,860ihp = 17.5kts, forced draught/
belt 18in-8in.
bulkheads 16in-7in,
barbettes 14in-12in,
conning tower 12in-2in.
decks 3in-2.5in.
2-16.25in BL (2xl),
10-6in BL (10xl),
12-6pdr QF (12xl),
7-3pdr QF (7xl),
5-14in, TT aw (1 bow, 4 broadside).

16.25in was the largest calibre gun mounted in British ship except for WW1 18in.

HMS Benbow

HMS VICTORIA
and her sinking - rammed and sunk by HMS Camperdown 22 June 1893
VICTORIA-class turret ships, also Sans Pareil (2)

1885/87/90 (5 yrs), 10,470t, 340ft pp x 70ft

More protected than Admiral-types, an improved Hero, reverted to turrets.
8 boilers,
Humphreys 3 cyl TE (Triple Expansion) engines,
2 shaft,
8000ihp = 16kts natural draught, 14,244ihp = 17.5kts forced draught

First British battleships with triple expansion engines. Reciprocating engines continued to be used until the building of steam-turbined HMS Dreadnought

Boiler pressure increased to 135psi
belt 18in,
bulkheads 16in,
turret 17in,
redoubt 18in,
battery screens 6in-3in,
conning tower 14in-2in,
decks 3in.
2-16.25in BL (2xl),
1-10in BL,
12-6in BL (12xl),
12-6pdr QF (12xl,
9-3pdr QF (9xl),
4-14in TT (2 sub on beam, 1 bow, 1 stem aw),
2-14in TLC,

HMS Victoria
TRAFALGAR-class turret ships, also Nile (2)

1886/87/90 (4 yrs), 12,590t, 345ft pp x 73ft

Better protected than Victoria and the Admiral-types, modelled on Dreadnought, launched 1875
6 cyl boilers
Humphreys 3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
7500ihp = 15kts natural draught,     12,000ihp = 16.75kts forced draught
belt 20in-14in,
bulkheads 16in-14in,
citadel 18in-16in, turrets 18in,
conning tower  14in,
decks 3in.
4-13.5in BL (2x2),
6-4.7in QF (6xl),
8-6pdr QF,
9-3pdr QF,
4-14inTT, (2 sub, 1 bow and 1 stern aw).

HMS Trafalgar (Cyber-Heritage)


Class 5 - BATTLESHIP DEVELOPMENT up to HMS DREADNOUGHT, MAINLY 1st-CLASS,  BUT SOME SMALLER 2nd-CLASS




HOOD, turret battleship

1889/91/93 (4 yrs), 14,150t, 380ft pp x 75ft

The 8th Royal Sovereign-class battleship of the Naval Defence Act (following), but built as a turret ship
8 cyl boilers,
Humphreys & Tennant 3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
9000ihp = 15.5kts natural draught, 11,000ihp = 16.5kts forced draught.
belt 18in-14in,
upper belt 4in,
bulkheads 16in-14in,
turrets 17in-1lin,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 3in-2.5in.
4-13.5in BL (2x2), in turrets
10-6in QF (10xl),
10-6pdr QF (10xl),
12-3pdr (12xl),
5-18in TT, (2 sub, 4 aw).

HMS Hood (Maritime Quest)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN-class barbette battleships, also Empress of India, Ramillies, Repulse, Resolution, Revenge, Royal Oak (7)

1889/91/92 (3 yrs), 14,150t, 380ft pp x 75ft

First class battleships later known as pre-dreadnoughts, start of 15 year design stability, improved version of Admiral-type barbette ships, 7 ships of Naval Defence Act
8 cyl boilers,
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
9000ihp = 15.5kts natural draught, 11,000ihp = 16.5kts forced draught.
belt 18in-14in,
upper belt 4in-3in,
bulkheads 16in-14in,
barbettes 17in-11in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 3in-2.5in.

First use of Harvey nickel-steel armour, 3in and 4in.

6in guns fitted with 5in Krupp compound armour by 1904.
4-13.5in BL (2x2), in barbettes
10-6in QF (10xl),
16-6pdr QF (16xl),
12-3pdr QF (12xl),
7-18in TT (5 aw, 2 sub).

HMS Revenge (Cyber-Heritage)
CENTURION-class, also Barfleur

1890/92/94 (4 yrs), 10,500t, 360ft pp x 70ft

Second class battleships, smaller Royal Sovereigns for China and Pacific Stations
8 cyl boilers,
Greenock Foundry 3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
9000ihp = 17kts natural draught, 13,000ihp= 18.5kts forced draught.
main belt 12in-9in,
upper belt 4in*,
bulkheads 8in,
barbettes 9in-5in,
gun houses 6in*,
casemates 6in*,
conning tower 12in,
decks 2.5in-2in.

*Harvey nickel steel armour; rest compound.
4-10in BL (2x2), mounted in "gun houses"
10-4.7in QF (10xl),
8-6pdr QF (8xl),
12-3pdr QF (12xl),
7-18in TT, (2 sub, 5 aw).

2nd class battleships with 10in guns.

HMS Barfleur (Cyber-Heritage)

RENOWN

1893/95/97 (4 yrs), 12,350t, 380ft pp x 72ft

Second class battleship, enlarged Centurion
8 cyl boilers,
Maudslay 3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
10,000ihp = 17.5kts natural draught, 12,000ihp = 18kts forced draught.
belt 8in-6in,
bulkheads 10in-6in,
upper belt 6in,
barbettes 10in,
gun houses 6in,
casemates 6in-4in,
conning tower 9in,
decks 3in-2in.

All Harvey nickel steel armour.
4-10in BL (2x2), mounted in "gun houses"
10-6in QF (10xl),
12-12pdr QF (12xl),
12-3pdr QF (12xl),
5-18in TT, (4 sub, 1 aw).

2nd class battleships with 10in guns.

HMS Renown
MAJESTIC-class, also Caesar, Hannibal, Illustrious, Jupiter, Magnificent, Mars, Prince George, Victorious (9)

1894/95/95 (2 yrs), 14,560t, 390ft pp x 75ft

First class battleships, Royal Sovereign-types with Renown improvements, largest class of battleships built - nine in total
8 cyl boilers,
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
10000ihp = 16kts natural draught, 12000ihp = 17kts forced draught.
Harvey nickel steel armour,
belt 9in,
bulkheads 14in-12in,
barbettes 14in,
gunhouses 10in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 4in-2.5in,
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
12-6in QF (12xl),
16-12pdr QF (16xl),
12-2pdr QF (12xl),
5-18in TT, (4 sub, 1 aw).

New Mk VIII 12in wire-wound gun mounted in place of Royal Sovereign-type 13.5in.

In later years fitted with electric hoists for 6in ammunition supply.

HMS Majestic (Pat Gariepy)
CANOPUS, also Albion, Glory, Goliath, Ocean, Vengeance (6)

1897/97/99 (2 yrs), 13,150t, 390ft pp x 74ft

First class battleships, smaller and faster versions of Majestics

20 Belleville boilers
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
13,500ihp = 18kts.

First British battleships with water-tube boilers, and  300psi compared with 155psi in earlier cylindrical boilers.
belt 6in,
bulkheads 10in-6in,
barbettes 12in,
gun houses 8in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 2in-1in.

Krupp armour for 6in belt equivalent to 8in Harvey steel; also for Vengeance gun houses.
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
12-6in QF (12xl),
10-12pdr QF (10xl),
6-3pdr (6xl),
4-18in TT sub.

HMS Albion in 1911 (Maritime Quest)
FORMIDABLE-class, also Irresistible, Implacable (3)

1898/98/01 (3 yrs), 14,500t, 400ft pp x 75ft

First class battleships, improved Majestics/enlarged Canopus

20 Belleville boilers,
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft (inward-turning screws),
15,000ihp = 18kts.
belt 9in,
bulkheads 12in-9in,
barbettes 12in,
gun houses 10in-8in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 3in-1in.

Krupp armour
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
12-6in QF (12xl),
16-12pdr QF (16xl),
6-3pdr QF (6xl),
4-18in TT sub.

HMS Formidable (Maritime Quest)
LONDON-class, also Bulwark, Prince of Wales,  Queen, Venerable (5)

1898/99/02 (4 yrs), 14,500t, 400ft pp x 75ft

First class battleships, repeat Formidables
20 Belleville boilers (Queen had Babcock and Wilcox boilers),
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
15,000ihp = 18kts.
belt 9in,
bulkheads 12in-9in, barbettes 12in,
gun houses 10in-8in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 14in,
decks 2.5in-1in.
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
12-6in QF (12xl),
16-12pdr QF (16xl),
6-3pdr QF (6xl),
4-18in TT sub.

HMS Venerable
DUNCAN-class, also Albemarle, Cornwallis, Exmouth, Montagu, Russell (6)

1899/01/03, 13,270t, 405ft pp x 75ft

First class battleships, smaller Formidables
24 Belleville boilers,
4 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
18,000ihp = 19kts.

First four cylinder triple expansion engines
belt 7in,
bulkheads 11in-7in,
barbettes 11in-4in,
gun houses 10in-8in,
casemates 6in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 2in-1in.
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
12-6in QF (12xl),
10-12pdr QF (10xl),
6-3pdr QF (6xl),
4-18in TT sub.

HMS Albemarle (Maritime Quest)
KING EDWARD VII-class, also Africa, Britannia, Commonwealth, Dominion, Hibernia, Hindustan, New Zealand (later Zealandia)  (8)

1902/03/05, 15,585t, 425ft pp x 78ft

First class battleships, new predreadnought design, first battleships with balanced rudders since 1870's, but difficult to keep on steady course - hence "the wobbly eight".
10 Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) and 6 cyl boilers,
4 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
18,000ihp = 18.5kts

(other ships fitted with 16 B&W, 12 Niclausse and 3 cyl, and 12 B&W and 3 cyl boilers for comparison - the last phase of the "battle of the boilers")
belt 9in-8in,
bulkheads, 12in-8in,
barbettes 12in,
gun houses 12in-8in,
9.2in gun houses 9in-5in,
6in battery 7in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 2.5in-1in.
4-12in BL (2x2), in turrets
4-9.2in BL (4xl),
10-6in QF (10xl),
14-12pdr QF (14xl),
14-3pdr QF (14xl),
4-18in  TT sub.

Fitted with intermediate 9.2in armament, instead of secondary 6in or 4.7in guns.

HMS King Edward VII (Maritime Quest)
SWIFTSURE-class,  also Triumph (2)

1902/03/04, 11,800t load, 436ft pp x 71ft

Second class battleships, ex-Chilean

12 large-tube Yarrow boilers,
3 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
12,500ihp = 19kts.
belt 7in-3in,
bulkheads 6in-2in,
barbettes 10in-2in,
gun houses 10in-8in,
battery 7in,
casemates 7in,
conning tower 11in,
decks 3in-1lin.
4-10in BL (4xl), in turrets
14-7.5in BL (14xl),
14-14pdr QF (14xl),
2-12pdr QF (2xl),
4-6pdr QF (4xl).

HMS Swiftsure
LORD NELSON-class, also Agamemnon (2)

1905/06/08, 16,090t, 410ft pp x 79ft

First class battleships
15  Babcock boilers,
4 cyl TE engines,
2 shaft,
16,750ihp = 18kts.
belt 12in-8in,
bulkheads 8in,
citadel 8in,
barbettes 12in,
gun houses 12in, 9.2in gun houses 8in-7in,
conning tower 12in,
decks 4in-1in.
4-12in BL (new) 45 cal (2x2), in turrets
10-9.2in BL (4x2, 2x1),
24-12pdr QF (24x1),
2-3pdr QF (2xl),
5-18in TT sub.

HMS Agamemnon (Maritime Quest)


HMS DREADNOUGHT
the first dreadnought battleship, all big-gun and powered by steam turbine engines


Her launching (Maritime Quest)

Completed, shown in 1906 (Maritime Quest)

Some of her crew (PJ)



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