They pay homage to the great and the good of those who have gone before us but left a legacy behind them.
From honoring a Formula One World Champion to a boxer a missionary here’s a round of some of the plaques in Sheffield.
Why not take a walk and see how many you can spot.
Want more Sheffield retro? People and events you’ll only remember if you live in Burngreave, Sheffield from the air in the 1990s
1. Some of Sheffield's hertiage plaques - but how many have you spotted?
Some of Sheffield's hertiage plaques - but how many have you spotted? Photo: Chris Lawton
2. Frank Harrison
356 Glossop Road, the home of dental surgery pioneer Frank Harrison, marked by a blue plaque Photo: other
3. Plaques for trains
Two iconic steam locomotives visited Chesterfields Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Unveiling of a plaque commemorating the historic 90mph runs in 2013 in honour of Mallard's world steam speed record in July 1938. The A4 will be lined up alongside its sister A4s visiting from Canada and America and A2 Blue Peter. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Sir Donald Coleman Bailey
The blue plaque in Rotherham in honour of Sir Donald Coleman Bailey, inventor of the Bailey Bridge Photo: roth civic soc