Spotted coloured plaques around Southend and wondered what they're there for?

A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place, commemorating a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site.

Green plaques also serve as a historical marker, highlighting buildings associated with renowned figures who have made lasting contributions to society. 

There is an "official" blue plaque scheme, administered by English Heritage, however many other plaque schemes have also been rolled out in the UK.

These plaques can be made in a variety of designs, shapes, materials and colours - with some blue, others not.

A number of coloured plaques have over time cropped up across Southend, although few know the stories behind them.

Benjamin Disraeli - Tyrrel Drive

This green plaque, which can be found on Tyrrel Drive, tells how former Prime Minister and author, Benjamin Disraeli, "stayed here" between 1833 - 34.

The plaque is attached to a brick gatepost on the north west side of Tyrrel Drive at the entrance to Porters.

Mr Disraeli was a Conservative politician who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, before passing away in April 1881.

Caroline Princess of Wales - Royal Terrace

Caroline, Princess of Wales, is featured on this green plaque - with the marker reading "occupied 7, 8 and 9 Royal Terrace in 1804".

The plaque is attached to a building on the north side of Royal Terrace, with the plaque illustrating the site's royal routes.

Edward Whymper - Clifftown Parade

This green plaque explains how Edward Whymper, the climber and "conqueror of the Matterhorn", "lived here".

Born in April 1840, Edward Whymper FRSE was an English mountaineer, explorer, illustrator, and author best known for the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. 

The iconic plaque, which is attached to a building on the north side of Clifftown Parade opposite a statue of Queen Victoria, also reveals how Mr Whymper lived until 1911.

Frank Matcham - Westcliff Parade

As an English architect, Francis Matcham specialised in the design of theatres and music halls.

This green plaque is attached to a building on the north side of Westcliff Parade at the junction with Trinity Avenue, revealing Mr Matcham "lived here".

According to Wikipedia, he was best known for his work in London under Moss Empires, which included the designs of the Hippodrome, Hackney Empire, Coliseum, Palladium and the Victoria Palace.

Southend United - The Blue Boar

A blue plaque can also be found at the historic birthplace of Southend United - the Blue Boar pub.

The Shrimpers were formed at the pub back in 1906, just yards from its current Roots Hall ground.

Joan Sims - Laindon

While the former home of English actress Joan Sims in Station Approach also features a blue plaque.

Best remembered for her roles in the Carry On films, Joan "lived here" between 1930 to 1952.

The actress, whose full name is Irene Joan Marion Sims, passed away in 2001.