Looks like you have a Raleigh DL-1 there, known popularly in the US as the "Tourist".

The brakes are "rod" brakes. They are simple mechanical linkages to direct the force into the rims. They take some getting used to and provide rather mediocre braking in the best of conditions. When they're wet they don't work well at all. Be sure and get a feel for them before you ride in traffic or on a busy road. You adjust them by loosening the little nuts you find on the stirrup yokes and then setting the shoes a little distance off the rims (be sure the brake levers are resting in a non-engaged position). Then retighten the nut. The result should be that the brakes activate with a little pull on the levers, not a lot of pull.

For general 3 speed maintenance try this:
http://sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html

That Sheldon Brown page is a nice primer on starting out with an English Three Speed.

Have a look here too:

http://sheldonbrown.com/raleigh.html

To date your bicycle you can look at the serial number or the SA hub date code. These will get you into the neighborhood for when you bicycle was made. Perfection in dating isn't really possible at this point, though you can narrow it down pretty well usually. Welcome to the world of the rod brake Roadster-- I have a 1978 DL1 and love the thing.