 Gillingham F.C. is an English football club based in Gillingham , Kent . The history of Gillingham F.C. covers the years from the club 's formation to the present day . The club was formed in 1893 , and played in the Southern League until 1920 , when that league 's top division was absorbed into the Football League as its new Division Three . The club was voted out of the league in favour of Ipswich Town at the end of the 1937 – 38 season , but returned 12 years later , when that league was expanded from 88 to 92 clubs . 
