The names Fern, Elizabeth and Rat, have been connected with this craft. Currently its past history is incomplete in many areas. A wooden Ethel was paired with Cowburn & Cowpar's motor Starling
It is said that the Ethel was originally the May, but the boat in the weighing machine at Stoke Bruerne is the May and can be confirmed as such since it still carries the original BCN 1443 plate riveted to the hull.
Starling & ex-LMS Ethel are currently paired in C & C livery.