Did you know that the world’s smallest prison is actually located here in the UK?
The teeny tiny building can only hold two prisoners, but remarkably it’s still a working jail.
Sark Prison, located on the island of Sark on the Channel Islands, was built in 1856.
The island itself is super small – just 2.1 square miles with a population of 562 people (which is the equivalent of a village).
It’s a pretty breathtaking island, filled with greenery and plenty of coastal views.
Located between England and France, Sark is often referred to as the jewel of the Channel Islands.
Despite being so small, the prison is technically still in use. Of course, it’s changed a little today and now has electricity and heating.
The jail was built in 1856. (Felix Man/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
It consists of two jails with a small corridor between them. Both jail cells have small, wood slatted beds with thin mattresses for inmates to sleep on.
The maximum jail time in the prison was two to three days, before the offenders were transferred over the Guernsey.
“The original Sark Prison stood near to where St Peter’s Church is today. Over time it became dilapidated and by 1832 the Arsenal was being used as an interim prison, despite being entirely unfit for purpose,” the Sark website explains.
“The little barrel-roofed two-celled prison we know today was eventually built in 1856 and is one of the world’s smallest prisons still in use.
It can hold two prisoners. (Getty Stock Photo)
“Judicial powers granted to Sark in 1583 allow a prisoner to be held for a maximum of two days. If the crime is severe enough to warrant further punishment the offender will be sent to Guernsey prison.”
It’s hard to imagine there would be much crime at all on an island like Sark.
However, a police officer who left the island in 2019 has claimed otherwise.
In a report to the island’s parliament – as per the Guardian – PC Mike Fawson said: “Sark in the past (and current) has been awash with people who have various criminal convictions, which in many cases we have no knowledge of until another offence is committed.
Sark is considered the jewel of the Channel Islands. (Getty Stock Photo)
“There are many incidents that we cannot lawfully do anything about as we do not have the appropriate tools and laws at our disposal to deal with them, such as speeding, intoxicated driving.
“All Sark special constables and custody officers should be fully trained with and equipped with batons and Pava spray for self-protection and protection of the general public.
“In many cases when an unlawful incident occurs, the Sark police constables are met with a wall of silence and an unwillingness of people to make an official complaint that would enable someone being brought to account for their actions.”
Featured Image Credit: Chris2766/Getty