1-158-404 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Dispatch vessel HMS 'Iris', c1880. Launched in 1877, this was the first steel ship built for the British Admiralty. She was constructed of steel made by the Siemens-Martin process at Landore Siemens Steel Company, Swansea, Wales. HMS 'Iris' was a transitional vessel with both sails and steam engines. From Great Industries of Great Britain. (London, c1880).