3-039-084 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Floating of H.M. twin-screw ironclad monitor, Glatton, 1871. '...a turret-ship of the Monitor class, the first constructed for the British Navy...from designs by Mr. E. J. Reed, late Chief Constructor...Mr. Reed, by increasing the armourplating above the water-line...and by protecting the hull below the water-line with armour-plates of considerable thickness, has given the Glatton a more efficient protection than the ordinary Monitors...an unusual step has been taken in plating the upper deck with 3-inch iron plating. The object of this is to avoid danger from shells falling vertically upon the deck...Her hull above the water-line is plated with 12-in. armour, fastened on to 20-in. teak backing...There is only one turret, which is revolving, and contains two 600-pounder 25-ton guns...One of the most important features is that the guns have a clear range in the fore part of the vessel. This gives the Glatton superior advantages to the Monarch and Captain, and to any of the broadside vessels; for, although she will carry masts, they will not obstruct the range of the guns towards the bow...In addition to her guns she carries an enormous ram, which protrudes 8 ft. from the stem, and could be used on an emergency with great effect'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.