HMS Bedford (1901)

Bedford at anchor
History
United Kingdom
NameBedford
NamesakeBedfordshire
BuilderFairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering, Govan
Laid down19 February 1900
Launched31 August 1901
ChristenedHon. Mrs. James C. Burns
Completed11 November 1903
FateWrecked, 21 August 1910
General characteristics
Class and typeMonmouth-class armoured cruiser
Displacement9,800 long tons (10,000 t) (normal)
Length463 ft 6 in (141.3 m) (o/a)
Beam66 ft (20.1 m)
Draught25 ft (7.6 m)
Installed power
Propulsion2 × shafts; 2 × triple-expansion steam engines
Speed23 knots (43 km/h; 26 mph)
Complement678
Armament
Armour

HMS Bedford was one of 10 Monmouth-class armoured cruisers built for the Royal Navy in the first decade of the 20th century. She was assigned to the 1st Cruiser Squadron of the Channel Fleet upon completion in 1903 before she was briefly reduced to reserve in 1906. Bedford was recommissioned the following year for service with China Station and ran aground in 1910. Her wreck was sold for scrap later that year after being partially salvaged.