Channel Squadron service followed by eight years in reserve

Laid down at Pembroke in 1866, launched in 1868, and fitted out at Portsmouth, Inconstant commissioned in August 1869 for Channel Squadron service. The posting was prestigious, though the Mediterranean Fleet ranked higher. She later joined Rear Admiral Frederick Seymour's Detached Squadron for visits to Scandinavian ports, then paid off in 1872. Eight of her first twelve years from launch were spent in reserve before recommissioning in 1880. This reduced peacetime operating costs while keeping ships maintained and available for wartime expansion.