The Bjørgvin-class coastal battleships were ordered by Norway in 1912 to supplement the older Eidsvold and Tordenskjold-class coastal defence ships.

The two ships laid down were compulsorily purchased by the British government for the Royal Navy when World War I broke out, and classified as monitors.

The British government paid Norway £370,000 as compensation for each ship.

The Bjørgvin class would be significantly more heavily armed than the previous Eidsvold class: In addition to the heavier armament, the two ships of the Bjørgvin class were also significantly better armoured, with her armour better distributed: