 Although the "Medina"s were exceptionally provided with masts to extend their range and independence, in essence they were available for similar operations to their un-masted sisters; offensive action against shore defences.Their ungainly appearance led them to be described by the naval historian Antony Preston as "the most grotesque craft ever seen".All 12 vessels of the class were built at Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company in Jarrow and were named after rivers.