HMS Shannon (1875)

The first of a long line. HMS Shannon (1875) was the first RN armo(u)red cruiser. She was fitted with a propeller that could be retracted into the hull to improve sailing efficiency, as well as an unusual detachable ram. She proved to be far too slow for her intended mission of catching enemy cruisers, mostly because sailing efficiency was emphasised in her design to give her long range. She was sold for scrap in 1899, after being used as a coastguard ship since 1883.