Serpent was laid down at Devonport Dockyard on 9 November 1885 as a member of the Archer - class of torpedo cruisers , was launched on 10 March 1887 .
Serpent was completed in March 1888 .
Serpent was laid down at Devonport Dockyard on 9 November 1885 as a member of the Archer - class of torpedo cruisers , was launched on 10 March 1887 and completed in March 1888 .