[2] She was built by Vickers, Sons & Maxim Ltd of Barrow-in-Furness for the London and North Western Railway in 1908.

She was trialled at sea on 16 July, and completed the distance between the Skerries and Great Orme's Head at the speed of 21 knots.

Fifty state-rooms were provided enabling one hundred passengers to enjoy private cabins.

The gentlemen were provided with a smoking room on the bridge deck, panelled in Austrian oak, upholstered in green Morocco leather, with a high dome skylight with stained glass.

On 4 March 1918, she was sunk in a collision and 26 people went missing,[4] but was successfully raised and continued in service.