Campaign to honour local figures with blue plaques

The murdered Southend West and Leigh MP Sir David Amess has a plaque at Leigh Community Centre

People living in Essex have been asked to nominate historical figures from the county for a blue plaque.

The prestigious markers commemorate a link between a location and a notable individual, building or event.

Visit Essex pledged to mark Essex Day on 26 October by awarding a plaque to "the most interesting" person or event suggested by the public.

"From inspiring innovators to remarkable local legends, it's important we celebrate our heritage and take pride in where we come from," chairman Mark Durham said.

Nominated persons must have been dead for at least 20 years and have a "strong and provable link" to the address, criteria outlined by Historic England suggests.

Italian electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi, who came to England at the end of the 19th Century, has a plaque in Chelmsford

Among the plaques already installed in Essex are:

• Sir Winston Churchill: The prime minister who led Britain to victory in World War Two has a plaque in Epping High Street

• Rudyard Kipling: The Jungle Book author once lived in Stanmore Way, Loughton

• Margaret Thatcher: The first female prime minister of the UK lived in Lexden Road, Colchester, while working nearby as a research chemist

• Guglielmo Marconi: The inventor of wireless communications has a marker in New Street, Chelmsford

• Gustav Holst: Composer who lived in and wrote from his house in Town Street, Thaxted

• The Blue Boar: A pub where Southend United FC was formed in Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea

• Capt Robert Baden-Powell: The founder of the Scouting movement was once stationed at Colchester's barracks in Cavalry Road

Durham, also a Conservative county councillor in Essex, said there was a "wonderful chance" to shine a light on more people of interest.

"Essex is bursting with history, culture and incredible people who've helped shape not just our county, but the wider world," he said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for communities to shine a light on their unsung heroes and special moments in Essex history."

People or places can be nominated for a blue plaque via the Visit Essex website.