Menu About us Our history GSK heritage archives GSK heritage archives GSK is the oldest extant pharmaceutical company based in the UK, tracing its history back to London’s Plough Court pharmacy in 1715. Our heritage archives document the contribution we and our legacy companies have made to global healthcare and our impact on science, industry, culture and the community. About the archives Our collections are housed at two sites, one in London, UK, and one in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US. The two GSK heritage archives hold approximately 370 linear metres of material relating to our primary legacy companies and many smaller subsidiaries. These include Burroughs Wellcome/Wellcome Foundation, Glaxo, Allen & Hanburys, and SmithKline Beecham, as well as the present GSK. These records include information about products and brands, business and financial documents, and facilities, from 1747 to present. When you combine the amount of historical materials within our two bases it adds up to 370 metres, nearly the height of the Empire State Building. Jill Moretto, Heritage Archivist, GSK Research The GSK heritage archives are primarily for internal use, however researchers and research requests from outside the company may be accommodated. Requests for access to the archives or information contained in the collections will be considered on an individual basis. Contact our archivists by email: heritage.archives@gsk.com Explore our history timeline Our history It began when Plough Court Pharmacy was established in 1715. Discover GSK's journey that led to the organisation we know today Innovative entrepreneurs: 1715 – 1891 The early history of GSK: how a range of entrepreneurs built the foundations of the GSK we know today. Going global: 1892 – 1918 In this period, our legacy companies expanded globally, developing and selling new products worldwide. Building brands: 1919 – 1949 An era of landmark scientific breakthroughs, building brand portfolios and product consolidation. 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 Our Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare businesses bring high-quality healthcare products to as many people as possible. RSS Other GSK websites Market website selector GSKPro for healthcare professionals GSK Study Register Quick links COVID-19 response Behind the science About us Products Careers Investors Media Research and development Responsibility Accessibility/legal Accessibility Terms of use Cookie policy Privacy notice Modern Slavery Act statement 2020 PDF - 191.4KB Sitemap Contact us Contact us Partnerships Report a possible side effect Business to business Supplier website Business to business This is our global website, intended for visitors seeking information on GSK’s worldwide business. Our market sites can be reached by visiting our market selector. © 2001-2021 GlaxoSmithKline plc. All rights reserved. Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. GlaxoSmithKline plc. Registered in England and Wales No. 3888792. Registered office: 980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS, United Kingdom. We use cookies GSK values your privacy and your trust is important to us. We use cookies to enhance your website experience. Some cookies are necessary to run the website. Others are optional: performance cookies show us how you use our website and features; functional cookies remember your preferences; and advertising cookies help us share relevant content.Cookie Policy Show detail ❮ OPT OUT ACCEPT ALL