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British Ironclads



Entries in bold indicate photos.

Warrior Class



Black Prince / Emerald / Impregnable III
Warrior / Vernon III
The worlds first ironclads were classed as frigates due to having a single gun deck, but at the time they were the most powerful ships in the world. Instead of a full length belt, only the central gundeck was armoured.

Both were rigged with 48400 sq. ft. of sail.


Minotaur Class



Agincourt / Boscawen III / Ganges II / C109
Minotaur / Boscawen / Ganges / Ganges II
Northumberland / Acheron / C68
The Minotaurs were enlarged versions of the Achilles, with improved armour, engines, and a ram bow. Althugh fast and handy under steam, their sailing qualities were poor.

All were fitted with 32377 sq. ft. rig, which was later reduced to a barque rig.


Captain Class



Captain The product of a public battle between Captain Cowper Coles and Edward Reed, Admiralty Constructor. She was the first seagoing turret battleship to provide almost all round fire, but her heavy sailing rig and masts, combined with low freeboard, proved disasterous.