 While her half @-@ sister Minotaur , normally flagship of the Channel Fleet , was refitting in 1873 – 75 , Agincourt , normally the flagship of the fleet second @-@ in @-@ command , replaced her as flagship and Northumberland became flagship of the second @-@ in @-@ command until Minotaur 's return to duty . She served as the flagship for Rear Admirals George Hancock and Lord John Hay . Northumberland received her own refit and rearmament from 1875 – 79 and rejoined the Channel Fleet upon its completion . The ship was paid off in 1885 for another refit and became the flagship of Vice Admirals Sir William Hewett and John Baird , successive commanders of the Channel Fleet , upon her completion in 1887 . 
