Pelorus-class cruiser

HMS Pyramus in 1914
Class overview
NamePelorus
OperatorsRN Ensign Royal Navy
Preceded byArrogant class
Succeeded byHighflyer class
Built1896–1899
In commission1899–1922
Completed11
Lost1
Scrapped10
General characteristics
TypeProtected cruiser
Displacement2,135 long tons (2,169 t)
Length300 ft (91.4 m) (p/p, 313 ft 6 in (95.6 m) (o/a)
Beam36 ft 6 in (11.1 m)
Draught17 ft (5.2 m)
Installed power7,000 ihp (5,200 kW)
Propulsion
Speed20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement224
Armament
Armour

The Pelorus-class cruiser was a "third-class" protected cruiser designed by Sir William White (Director of Naval Construction 1885 – 1902) for the Royal Navy, based on the earlier Pearl-class cruisers. Eleven ships were ordered to this design in 1893 under the Spencer Programme, and were laid down 1896–1900. The first, HMS Pelorus, was commissioned in 1896.