Northampton's distributed engine supply chain

Unlike Nelson's integrated build at Elder and Company, Northampton's hull and machinery came from separate firms. Her engines were manufactured by John Penn and Sons in London, a business later absorbed into the Thames Ironworks organization, while the hull was taking shape at Glasgow. Moving that heavy machinery around part of the British coast added a logistical stage before installation. She was laid down in October 1874, launched in November 1876, and completed in December 1878. Northampton's hull cost less than Nelson's, but the machinery and its transport cost more, leaving the completed ship roughly £5,000 dearer. Shipyard location, engine works, and coastal transport all affected the procurement result.