What bb threading does your Raleigh have? If it's the old Raleigh proprietary 1.37x26tpi it may have been damaged if someone forced in a standard English threaded bb (1.37x24tpi). "Raleigh International" may mean it has English threading, does it?

Otherwise, never, ever install a bottom bracket dry. Grease at the minimum and anti-seize works well but I'm partial to Teflon tape. About two layers gives a great water and dirt seal and keeps the threads clean, snug and quiet. Davet's tape + grease approach may be belt-and-suspenders but certainly works.