Our history

Beginning in 1715 with the opening of an apothecary shop in London, our story has always focused on innovation. From a selection of individual entrepreneurs to a global company of around 100,000 employees, we’ve developed a variety of medicines and healthcare products that form the foundations of today’s GSK.

Download 300 Years of GSK PDF

300 years of GSK infographic

Explore our history timeline

Plough court

Innovative entrepreneurs: 1715 – 1891

The early history of GSK: how a range of entrepreneurs built the foundations of the GSK we know today.
brockwell park

Going global : 1892 – 1918

In this period, our legacy companies expanded globally, developing and selling new products worldwide.
Picture of New Smith Kline & French Co. laboratory at Spring Garden St., Philadelphia

Building brands: 1919 – 1949

An era of landmark scientific breakthroughs, building brand portfolios and product consolidation.
Gertrude Elion and George Hitchings, 1988

Creating the GSK of today: 1950 – 1999

An exciting period of discovery: we developed the first treatment for HIV, enhanced our consumer brands and developed new treatments for asthma.

GSK today: 2000 – present

With our three global businesses of Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare, we aim to bring differentiated, high-quality and needed healthcare products to as many people as possible.
Research Triangle Park

GSK heritage archives

Find out more about the GSK heritage archives and how to contact our archivists.

History in motion

Find out more about us

About us new hero

About us

We are a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer.
Ellipta manufacturing

Products

We research and develop a broad range of innovative products in three primary areas of Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare

Careers

We are a global company delivering billions of healthcare products a year. Choose your path.