In 1925, Percy Mitchell, a 23-year-old Cornish boat builder, was commissioned to construct a 39-foot Cornish Lugger for herring fishermen Joe Husband and his brother Herbert. This project marked his first experience building a vessel of such size. Lacking a bandsaw to cut the heavy grown-oak frames, keel, stem, sternpost, and deadwoods, Mitchell sourced the oak from Lang & Co. of Liskeard, who also provided the necessary cutting services.

To accommodate the build, Mitchell relocated his yard from Mevagissy to Portmellon, where timber was transported by rail to Looe and then by the vessel Trader Theodora to Portmellon. From there, the materials were carried up the beach to the yard. The vessel was constructed with a wheelhouse and accommodation for five crew members. Without the aid of a winch, the heavy ship was manually moved to the sea prior to the installation of engines and masts.

Although Mitchell was a skilled craftsman, he had limited experience in cost estimation. He agreed to build the vessel, initially named Westward, for £300; however, the final cost amounted to £400, resulting in a £100 loss and the depletion of his life savings. Despite this setback, his reputation grew, leading to eventual prosperity.

In 1935, the Westward was sold to John Orchard, a fisherman from Porthleven, who renamed her Maid Marion after his young daughter. During World War II, when all shallow draft boats were called upon for Operation Dynamo, Orchard attempted to take the vessel to Dunkirk. Arriving too late, he was redirected to Le Havre, from where he returned with a full complement of soldiers.

Following the war, Orchard sold Maid Marion to Jack Siley, Chairman of Falmouth Docks. Siley owned a farm in Essex managed by John Hunt, who became the subsequent owner. In 1965, Hunt sailed Maid Marion from Falmouth to Woodbridge in Suffolk, where the vessel has remained within the Hunt family ever since.

It was not until 1990 that John Hunt's son, David, learned of Maid Marion's wartime service. The vessel participated in the return to Dunkirk in 1990, the Jubilee Pageant in 2012, and Ostende voor Anker in 2014. Maid Marion continues to be an active member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.