The class was designed with a very small length to beam ratio, it being thought at the time that this would increase fuel economy.

This turned out not to be the case, and also and quite unexpectedly produced the need for a large amount of helm to be applied, sometimes to port and sometimes starboard, to keep the ship on a straight course.

It is reported that on one occasion Agamemnon, with her helm amidships, turned a complete circle in 9 minutes and 10 seconds.

The turrets were carried 'en echelon', and the intention was that at least two heavy guns would be able to bear on any point of the compass.

She did temporary duty through most of 1889 on the East Indies station, and served as part of the blockading fleet off Zanzibar in the attempt to curb the slave trade there.