HMS Lark (1880)

HMS Lark was a Condor-class sloop of the Royal Navy, launched in 1880. She was a composite vessel, meaning her hull was constructed of wooden planks fastened to an iron frame, a common practice in the late 19th century combining the strength of iron with the ease of repair and anti-fouling properties of wood.

Lark primarily served on foreign stations, often involved in patrols aimed at suppressing the slave trade, protecting British interests, and generally maintaining order in regions of the world where the Royal Navy held sway. Specific details of her operational deployments vary depending on archival records and historical accounts.

The Condor-class sloops were designed for a mix of sailing and steam power, reflecting the transitionary period in naval technology. While equipped with a steam engine and coal bunkers, they were also fully rigged sailing ships, allowing for economical long-distance voyages and independent operations in areas where coaling facilities were limited.

She was eventually sold out of service, marking the end of her active career with the Royal Navy. Her legacy resides primarily within naval historical records detailing the movements and roles of smaller Royal Navy vessels during the late Victorian era.