Two-decker ironclads could change turret layouts before Dreadnought

A huge two-decker ironclad would change the standard that later battleships had to surpass. Successors resembling HMS Monarch or HMS Hercules could retain two levels of guns to compete with that benchmark. Turret ships might begin with four mounts, either on the wings or along the ship, instead of replacing one broadside deck with a few powerful turrets. By the pre-dreadnought era, ships resembling the Royal Sovereigns could already have four turrets and perhaps superfiring arrangements. Wing turrets are a less attractive option in this argument because heavy main guns at the sides increase beam and complications without a corresponding gain in useful firepower. Main guns fore and aft on the centerline, with secondary weapons at the sides, are the preferred arrangement. John Fisher, who served aboard Warrior as a young officer, would thus inherit a different fleet when trying to repeat her strategic impact with Dreadnought.