Image credit: LondonHistoryatHome / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · 2018-02-04 ↗
Giro’s Tiny Memorial
Carlton House Terrace · Piccadilly → St James’s → Covent Garden · Diplomatic history / pet memorial / hidden grave
Story
Behind black railings, at the foot of a large tree next to No. 9 Carlton House Terrace, stands a tiny gravestone. It bears a German inscription: “GIRO — EIN TREUER BEGLEITER!”, which translates to “a faithful companion!”. This small stone is a memorial to Giro, the dog of Leopold von Hoesch, who served as the German ambassador in London from 1932. It’s important to note that when von Hoesch first arrived in the city, he represented the Weimar Republic; however, after Hitler rose to power in 1933, he found himself in the complex position of representing a very different regime. Therefore, referring to this spot as the “Nazi dog’s grave,” as some guides do, is a simplification that distorts the historical context, as the dog, naturally, had no political affiliations, and its owner arrived in London before the establishment of the Third Reich. The gravestone indicates Giro’s death in February 1934. A frequently repeated story, though less securely documented than the memorial itself, suggests he died after being electrocuted by an electrical cable. The Royal Society holds a catalogued photograph of the tomb, taken beside the former German Embassy building. The stone visible today is protected by a small cover and can be viewed through the railings.
What to look for
Look for a very small, low stone at the base of the large tree. Find the word GIRO and the German phrase 'EIN TREUER BEGLEITER!'.
Secret detail
Ambassador Leopold von Hoesch arrived in London in 1932 representing the Weimar Republic. Reducing the story to 'the Nazi dog' overlooks the complex political context of the era.
Where exactly
At the top of the Duke of York Steps, find the large tree beside No. 9 Carlton House Terrace. The stone is behind the railings inside a small protective cover.
Orientation
From the pavement, look through the railings towards the base of the large tree.
Why it matters
This humble memorial is a quiet reminder of how larger historical events, such as the rise of the Nazi regime, could impact even the personal lives of those witnessing them from abroad.
Access & opening
Visible at any time from public realm, subject to temporary security/works.
Free
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Can be viewed from level approach from Pall Mall/Waterloo Place side; Duke of York Steps themselves are stepped.