This Was Dartford

A film made by Richgaard Media.
In 1889, The Burroughs Wellcome site was officially opened in Dartford. Over the next century, hard work and Henry Wellcome's vision transformed the facility to a worldwide centre of excellence. At its peak, Wellcome employed thousands of people in the area and effectively put Dartford on the map.
By 2000, it became GlaxoSmithKline. The past 39 years Steve has worked alongside thousands of others at the GSK Dartford site, and today on 31st October 2012 he is the last employee to close the gates on this once great pharmaceutical site.
The memories will live on.
Click the link below to check out the behind the scenes photos from the day:
www.flickr.com/photos/89629098...

[@rassisca3931]

I came to Dartford as a contractor for a weeks "backfill" for the IT Hardware Guy in 2001, the following week I was scheduled for what turned out to be 5 months at GSK Stevenage as that drew to a close & fearing the worse for my employment contracts. I was told that I had an offer & had been specifically been asked to come back to Dartford if I was available by the wonderfully supportive IT manager Nicky. I was there from 2002 until the end of 2005, one of the happiest work enviroments of my life & it broke my heart when I left as Compucenter took over the running of the IT Department & it was time for me to move on. A big shout out to those in the IT Department whose name I can remember (& those I can put faces to but not names at the time of writing, to those my apologies): Keith Paul Vince Rob Rodney

[@silverglen5632]

Very powerful and emotional. I was there from 1996 to 2002. Though the physical space has changed, the essence of what we built remains etched in my heart. Our shared journey lives on, a cherished chapter in the story of our lives. With a mix of fondness and a touch of melancholy, I bid adieu to the physicality of our workplace, holding dear the memories that will forever linger within me.

[@dannystevenson133]

I started Burroughs & Wellcome in1960 at 15 years of age. Spent most of my life working for them. There was Steve, my last boss, shutting the the lights off, how strange. Danny Stevenson

[@Erkidude]

:( 1998-2003 me, loved most of it!

[@urban_fox_cub_urbex]

Was exploring here before it was demolished and had kent police show up what a site was amazing!

[@debbiehibberd2799]

Great video so much emotion Steve made me cry. All the best debbie

[@TheRevvvhead]

Powerful stuff. I do miss it.

[@alicescli9088]

OMG what a video! My first job was at Wellcome and I loved the place and the people - such a community, despite I left a long time ago I still feel part of the "family" and seeing it bulldozed down made me really sad. Great video and really captured the emotions! Best to you, Jill and family. X

[@barryhayward8893]

Powerful stuff,some say that shutting Dartford was political,I went to a couple of the other glaxo sites and the culture was entirely different to Dartford's IMO. I had 23 great years there and it was a great shame that the powers that be decided to flatten it. Thanks you Steve for letting me know about this excellent little film.

[@jonathanmasere4333]

In 2004, I moved to Dartford from the USA. As a chemist, I was thrilled when I discovered GSK right within smelling distance of soon-to-be-home down Joyce Green Lane. I went to the company gate with my CV. The chap at the gate told me to put an application online. I did, but I might as well have sent it into a blackhole. In spite of all this, I never lost hope because I really wanted to work in the industry and, more specifically, GSK. Anyway, I returned to the USA. On my recent visit to Dartford, after many years away, I was startled to find nothing but homes at the old site. Looking at the depressing picture, I could not help but think of the irony of how this site might have played a part in containing the Covid19 pandemic and save the entire world. Someone had decided putting houses was a better move. The thought left me disgusted.

[@brucedanton3669]

You are so right on all that. I have always lived where I do near Dartford (am now 54) and so know the area fairly well. The area there has indeed been built on with homes where GSK used to be near Temple Hill and Joyce Green Lane. It is such a shame really, and as I say, I could not agree with you more really. Thank you.

[@HJadventures50]

Can’t believe it’s all flats now

[@sandyveal1907]

Upsetting and depression

[@2000jzb]

Bloody Hell!!!!!!

[@ajh98442]

Qwaaaack!