Under the 1893–1894 Naval Estimates, the British Admiralty placed orders for 36 torpedo-boat destroyers, all to be capable of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph), the "27-knotters", as a follow-on to the six prototype "26-knotters" ordered in the previous 1892–1893 Estimates.

As was typical for torpedo craft at the time, the Admiralty left detailed design to the builders, laying down only broad requirements.

[5] The ships produced 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) and could make 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph).

They were armed with one twelve pounder gun and two torpedo tubes and carried a complement of 53 officers and men.

They served in Home waters throughout the First World War, and all three were sold for breaking up in 1920.