Miser Margery Jackson has been spending her pennies wisely ahead of the Carlisle pageant.

A giant puppet of the former Carlisle woman – who died a millionaire – has been greeting shoppers in the market this week.

When Miss Jackson died in Botcherby in 1812, a trunk was found under her bed containing the equivalent of £1.5m in modern value.

Despite this, she lived the life of a pauper, wearing the same bonnet and coat for 20 years.

Margery’s puppet is one of several dotted around the city ahead of the big celebrations this weekend.

Florist Suzanne Hodgson, who works at Aroma in the market, says Margery’s presence has been fun for the children.

She said: “It’s been funny having her here.

“If I look down the market I come face to face with her, which is a bit creepy.

“I know a bit about her and it was a bit unusual back in the day for a woman to diddle her brothers out of cash so she must have been quite clever.

“I keep wondering if we are related in any way!”

In the city’s historic quarter, Tullie House Museum is temporarily home to Sir Hugh De Morville, an Anglo Norman Knight who served Henry II.

Servant Boy from Lady Gilford’s Manor House and Tom the Archivist are staying in Carlisle Library – and the castle is the home of Jake the Jacobite.

Tomorrow’s pageant kicks off 10 days of celebrations in the city.

This year’s parade route will include more of the city’s historic quarter, incorporating the cathedral grounds and will end outside the Old Town Hall.

The 10-day Pageant programme also includes Best of Carlisle Market stalls between Saturday and Tuesday, a Carlisle Fringe Festival between Sunday and Tuesday and an international market between Wednesday and August 29.

Councillor Anne Quilter, for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Puppet Trail is an opportunity to see some of our giant puppets up close. Some are around 9ft high and have been kindly provided by local artist Dawn Hurton.

“These puppets, alongside lots more, will be taking part in the Pageant Puppet Parade. It is an event not to be missed.”

A full programme of fringe theatre also takes place from Sunday to Tuesday in the city centre. There will be 40 different performances of puppetry, street theatre, dance and music.

The show Bjorn: The Polar Bear is set to be a hit with children on Monday at 11am, 3pm and 5pm.