FACTBOX - Sark, an island of bicycles and dirt tracks

LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 450 years of feudalism have been brought to an end on the tiny island of Sark after the Privy Council backed a local vote for a fully elected parliament and other reforms.

Its political and judicial systems have existed since about 1565 when Queen Elizabeth handed over powers in return for the defence of the three mile-long island from the French.

Here are some other facts about the island, which sits six miles off the coast of Guernsey:

* Sark is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands.

* The Romans are believed to have been on the island, which they called Sargia, for two centuries, and it was occupied by German forces during World War Two.

* It is not part of the UK or Britain, nor is it a sovereign state.

* It has its own insular legislature, judicial system and administration but London is responsible for its defence, foreign affairs and law and order.

* Elizabeth I made the island a noble fief in 1565 to be held in perpetuity by the first seigneur, or head landlord.

* He was able to collect tithes and land sale and purchase commissions.