HMS Hercules Central Battery Ironclad.  Photos and history of HMS Hercules,  HMS Hercules was an enlarged version of  HMS Bellerophon. built at Chatham Dockyard and laid down ion 1st February 1866, and launched 10th February 1868 and completed 21st November 1868.   Although she was a good gun platform she was difficult to handle in Heavy weather.  In 1878 Two 14 inch Torpedo carriages were added. and in 1886 net defences were also added. She went into refit and major re construction work was done including being re engined and six 4.7 inch quick firing guns added and two6 inch QF guns in the bow. and Nine 6 pounder QF and Thirteen 3 pounder QF were also fitted. with her new engines she could make 15.9 knots. But after her refit she was put into reserve and reclassified as a third class battleship. In 1905 she was converted into accommodation and renamed Calcutta in1 909 and Fisgard II in 1915 eventually being sold and scrapped in 1932.

Displacement:  8677 tons.  full load 88390 tons.  Speed: 14.7 knots.  Crew 638  Armament:  Eight 10 inch MLR, Two 9 inch MLR and Four 7 inch MLR.  (plus the above alterations) 

HMS Hercules, 1868.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP68

HMS Hercules, 1868.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP69

HMS Hercules c.1875.