she was laid down as yard number 305 on 1 july 1895 at the john i. thornycroft & company shipyard at chiswick on the river thames. she was launched on 15 february 1896. during her builder's trials her maximum average speed was 30.3 knots. she had her armament fitted in portsmouth. she was completed and accepted by the royal navy in february 1897. during her acceptance trials and work ups her average sea speed was 25 knots.