A punk, a monkey, a maths genius … our pick of local heroes who deserve a blue plaque

Contenders for a coveted blue plaque? Clockwise from top left: the studio where Massive Attack’s No 1 albums were recorded, Charity Adams and the women of the six triple eight, Jean Purdy, WH Auden, Stuart Drummond as H’Angus the monkey, Larry Grayson, Poly Styrene, Randolph Turpin, Bill Gibb and one of his 70s designs. Composite: Mirrorpix; REX; Getty; Jane Bown; PA

The London blue plaques scheme, which commemorates the places where notable people lived or worked, is the oldest of its kind. Now it’s to be made national. While many cities and communities already have their own system of plaques or memorials to celebrate local history, it’s still an achievement to receive national recognition. So our writers have picked overlooked figures, local heroes and important locations that they think should be recognised as part of British cultural history.

Blue plaques, like this one honouring Jimi Hendrix in London’s Brook Street, could soon be seen across the UK. Photograph: Adam Butler/AP