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.
13. Harry Watts, RNLI headquarters, Sunderland Marina
Born in 1826 and raised in Sunderland, Harry was a renowned sailor and diver who rescued more than 40 people from drowning and assisted in the rescue of a further 120. He's described as a ‘True Hero’. During a career as a rigger in Sunderland’s shipyards he saved a further five people from the River Wear before signing up as a diver with the River Wear Commissioners from 1861 to 1896. He also worked for the Sunderland Lifeboat and Life Brigade services. Photo: submitted