Gallica was formed in September 2004 under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Evitts with sponsorship by Lancashire Sport and support from British Swimming, particularly Fred Kirby (World Class Programme Manager - North) and Pauline Pick (North West Regional Development Officer). It was formed to provide a strategic progression route for Lancashire based swimmers. The squad became affiliated to the Northern Counties ASA on 9th April 2005 and quickly became a force in Lancashire swimming.

Initially named Swim Lancashire, the squad rebranded itself with the Gallica name and logo in order to differentiate it from other county squads. The squad name is derived from the Latin translation of Lancashire Red Rose - Rosa Gallica Officinalis.

In its first year, swimmers performed beyond expectations and under the coaching of Dave Evitts and Rob Greenwood over 30 youths achieved National Qualifying Times in more than 100 individual events. Since this time Gallica has gone from strength to strength and is destined to take a prominent place in the swimming history of the country.