The Rake
Early-attested site in the Parish of Rogate
Historical Forms
- ate Rake 1296 SR
- Rake 1549 SRS19,203
- le Rake 1317 ADiii
Etymology
The Rake was the home of John ate Rake (1296 SR), called Rake in 1549 (SRS 19, 203). This is probably OE hraca , 'throat,' w;hich could evidently be used topographically as in the phrase on budencumbe hracan (BCS 970). There it probably refers to the hollow of a valley. The present hamlet of Rake lies at the end of the long and narrow ridge which carries the Portsmouth Road on to Petersfield. Rake Hanger and Rake Common are on the ridge itself. The hraca may be the deep hollow on the eastern side of the ridge or it may have been used of the ridge itself stretching out long and narrow, somewhat like the human throat. Rake in Churchstow (D), Rak (e )1228 FF, 1242 Fees, lies in the deep valley of the Avon, a well- marked 'gulley.' Wrackhill in Whitstable (K), 1462Rakehill , is an isolated hill stretching for some distance from east to west.It should be added that there are further examples of an element rake in Sussex field and minor names—le Rake 1317 AD iii, la Rake in Stretham (1373), Bromerake 1474. Some of these may contain OE racu , 'bed of a stream' and the like.