Established in 1893 as Brompton FC, they changed names to Gillingham in 1913. They gained election to the Football League Division 3 in 1920, but were relegated back to the Southern League in 1938. In 1950 they won re-election to the Football League.
In 1993, second from bottom in the Football League and on the verge of bankruptcy, a property developer, Paul Scally, bought the club for £1.00. Since then Gillingham have been promoted twice.
The team play in blue and white. Their Player/Manager is Andy Hessenthaler.