Ordered as part of the 1893–1894 Naval Programme, the Hardy-class torpedo boat destroyers were Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company's first such ships.

The engines developed at total of 4,000 indicated horsepower (3,000 kW) and were intended to give a maximum speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph).

[3] The Hardy's carried a maximum of 65 long tons (66 t) of coal that gave them a range of 1,270 nautical miles (2,350 km; 1,460 mi) at 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph).

[4] Hunter was laid down by Fairfield at its Govan shipyard on 7 June 1894, launched on 28 December 1895 and completed in May 1896.

[7] She took part in the fleet review held at Spithead on 16 August 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII.