The Stromboli class was a group of two vessels designed by Sir William Symonds the Surveyor of the Navy.

[1] The vessels were of the Medea design but were altered to the new draught derived from the Gorgon.

[4] Vesuvius was the eleventh named vessel (spelt Vesuvius or Vesuve) since it was used for a 8-gun fireship, launched by Taylor of Cuckold's Point on 30 March 1691 and expended on 19 November 1693 at Saint-Malo.

[5] Both vessels were ordered 12 March 1838 and laid down in September at Portsmouth and Sheerness.

The vessels were launched in July (Vesuvius) and August (Stromboli) 1839.

[7] Robert Napier & Sons of Govan supplied the machinery for both vessels.