However, while most recognise important places and buildings, less than 20 plaques honour people who made their mark on Wearside.
We’ve rounded up some of the other people honoured in the city, from Sunderland’s first female MP to the civil engineer credited with helping to combat cholera.
9. Claude Ridley, Mere Knolls House, Fulwell
Wing Commander Claude Ridley is one of Sunderland's bravest and most decorated sons. Born in 1897, and raised at Mere Knolls House, C.A Ridley was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers who was attached to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. A year later he was awarded the Military Cross for action against Zeppelin raids on the Home Front, and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for ‘conspicuous gallantry and resource’ in the execution of a special mission behind enemy lines. Photo: JPI Media
10. John Murray, St Thomas Street, city centre
Resident Engineer to the river Wear Commissioners, John Murray made significant improvements to the river and its access including moving the lighthouse along the extended North pier and the creation of the South Docks that revolutionised the harbour. Photo: submitted
11. Thomas Hawksley Park, Humbledon
Many distinctive buildings in the area are down to 19th century civil engineer Thomas Hawksley, including Ryhope Pumping Station, Dalton Pumping Station and Hawksley House in the city centre. He was regarded as “a true real-life hero” for the part he played in saving people from the spread of deadly Cholera through his engineering which brought clean water to Sunderland and many other cities. The plaque in Humbledon is on the site of a housing estate built around a converted pumping station. Photo: submitted
12. Charles Alcock, Norfolk Street, city centre
Born in Norfolk Street in 1842, Charles Alcock was a renowned footballer and cricketer. He was Secretary of the Football Association for 25 years, working to establish the ‘one universal game’. In 1870, he organised and played in the first ever international match, England vs Scotland; and in 1871, he created the world’s first national football
tournament, The FA Cup. Photo: submitted