History of HMS Blenheim a Blake Class Cruiser built by Thames ironworks, and launched on 5th July 1890. After service HMS Blenheim was used as a destroyer depot ship from May 1908 serving with the flotillas in the Mediterranean. during the war was sent to Mudros in March 1915 to take part in the Dardanelle's campaign. and finally sold to the breakers in 1926.

Displacement: 9150 tons, speed: 22 knots,  Crew  570. Length 375 feet, beam 65 feet.  Armament Two 9.2 inch Guns and Ten 6 - inch Guns and eighteen  3 pounder.

Designed Speed 22 knots,  Horsepower 20,000.

In 1888 the most important part of the naval programme of the period were laid down.  The Blake Class Armoured Cruisers HMS Blake and HMS Blenheim,  A Class with the armament of The Orlando Class with greatly improved speed secured by development in the deck armour.  Could be said to be similar to an enlarged Mersey Class Cruiser. But these ships were unique due to their increased length and great increase in displacement.  The main Guns were in armoured casemate's, a leading characteristic of nearly all Sir William White's ships made its first appearance. HMS Blenheim for four main guns, the upper deck guns being behind the usual shields.  (text from British battle fleets, FT Jane)

HMS Blenheim - Name History

The fourth “Blenheim” is a 12-gun twin-screw cruiser, launched at Blackwall in 1890.  She is of 9000 tons, 21,400 horsepower, and 22 knots speed.  Her length, beam, and draught were 375ft, 65ft, and 26ft.  In 1896 the “Blenheim,” commanded by Captain Edmund S. Poe, brought home to England from the Canary Islands the body of the late colonel His Royal Highness Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg, K.G,. Who died while on active service.  Her Majesty Queen Victoria appointed Captain Poe to the fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order as a specal mark of appreciation for this service. For some years the “Blenheim” has acted as seagoing depot ship for torpedo-boat destroyers.

HMS Blenheim of the Channel Squadron, January, 1895

The Belnheim is a steel first class cruiser of the early Hamilton Programme, and was launched in 1890.  She was built by contract at the yard of the Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding Co, at Blackwall, and engined by Messrs. Humphrys & Tennant.  Her displacement is 9,000 tons; I.H.P. 20,000. Length 375ft. Beam 65ft. Maximum draught 25ft 9ins.  She carries as her principal armament two 22 ton guns, protected by steel shields.  Her speed is 22 knots.  The Blenheim has been in commission for some time in the Channel Squadron, and she is now commanded by Captain Edmund S Poe.

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  XMP909

Original republished © MPL Photograph (Postcard Size).  Price £5 Click here to order.  Order Code  MP909

HMS Blenheim  pictured pre 1896

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHC067

HMS Blenheim

A reproduction of this original photo / photo-postcard size 10" x 7" approx available.  Order photograph here  © Walker Archive. Order Code  PHC068

Photo and message from Michael Friend :

HMS Blenheim  where my Great Grandfather Richard "Ganny"  Wheelhouse was a RN diver (left side picture) appprox 1893 or so..  Picture was taken or to be more accurate printed  in Japan  Kulangsu Amoy  by Y Asow photographer.