At about 2,500 tons, the third-class Pearl-class protected cruisers resembled sloops in purpose and scale. Their eight 4.7-inch guns and forced-draught machinery were sufficient for overseas patrol and presence work without the cost of a first-class cruiser or battleship. Their modest scale made them economical tools for the routine station duties that spread Royal Navy power around the world. The Act produced a hierarchy of ships for different jobs rather than a battle fleet composed only of prestige units.
Chapter · 35:49-37:24
Pearl-class cruisers for worldwide policing
The small Pearl-class cruisers provided economical armed presence for routine duties across the Royal Navy's global stations.