She was laid down on 17 September 1896 at the Earle’s Shipbuilding and Engineering Company Limited shipyard at Hull, Yorkshire and launched on 10 February 1898. During her trials while steaming at 30 knots she suffered a major accident in which the connecting rod to the high pressure cylinder broke and released steam into the forward engine room. Eight individuals were killed and six were injured. The broken connecting rod puntured the hull and Lieutenant F.G. Dineley, RN (in command during trials) ordered the use of collision mats to stem the intake of water and she was able to make port. She was completed and accepted by the Royal Navy in June 1901.