The protected cruiser is a type of naval cruiser of the late 19th century, so known because its armoured deck offered protection for vital machine spaces from fragments caused by exploding shells above. Protected cruisers were an alternative to the armoured cruisers, which also had a belt of armour along the sides. Wikipedia [ - ]

The protected cruiser is a type of naval cruiser of the late 19th century, so known because its... [ + ]