Description:A view of the locally famous Rawnpike Oak, named as Rawn Oak on this postcard. This ancient tree was believed to be an ancient boundary marker and was sited near The Rag Inn. It was thought to be over 800 years old when it was struck by lightning in 1932 and killed. Vandals destroyed it by lighting a fire in it during the 1950s. A replacement tree was planted on the site in 2000.
The nearby village of Rawnsley may be named after the tree: 'raunpick', 'rawnpike’ or ‘rampike' are dialect words used to describe a stag-headed or dead-headed tree. Alternatively, the place-name Rawnsley may mean the 'leah' or woodland clearing frequented by ravens.
A 'Teesee Series' postcard published locally as one of 'Smith's Series, The Stores, Gentleshaw'.