Melampus in the harbour of Kingstown, County DublinMelampus in 1892.
In 1890, building by the Naval Construction and Armaments Co, later known as Vickers, commenced. Melampus was originally ordered and built for the Greek navy.[4]
On 5 July 1892, in Portsmouth, Melampus carried out trials of her machinery and other equipment, following which she swung her compasses at Spithead. She later departed on 7 July for Plymouth and Falmouth.[6]
On 26 June 1897, she was present at the Naval Review at Spithead in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.[6]
On 16 January 1901, she accidentally grounded HMS Sybille.[2]