Rake, West Sussex

Rake is a small rural village lying astride the B2070 road and the border between West Sussex and Hampshire in southeast England. The B2070 was formerly the A3 London to Portsmouth trunk road, but Rake, several other villages, and the town of Petersfield, are now by-passed. Rake lies between the villages of Liphook and Hill Brow. Part of the village is in East Hampshire District and part in Chichester District; similarly the village is served by two civil parish councils, Liss and Rogate, and by two ecclesiastical parishes. There is light industry, retail and servicing outlets, a primary school, public and private houses and care homes.

The village has not had a long recorded history, but has been a significant stopping place on what was the original mail road and turnpike between London and the naval base at Portsmouth. Evidence of lawlessness is recorded from the 18th century.