Sir Ernest Marsden FRS FRSNZ was born in this house on 19th February 1889. He worked with Lord Rutherford on experiments which led to the concept of the atomic nucleus and the birth of nuclear physics.

The great nephew of Sir Ernest tells us that this plaque may have some facts confused. It is possible that he was not born at 68 Hermitage Street, Rishton but did live, at the age of 12, at 70 Hermitage Street in Paddington, London.