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 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.

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.