What are they called? Tombstones, Gravestones, Headstones, Monuments, or Footstones?

When visiting a cemetery, you’ll encounter various types of memorials marking final resting places. While some terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences worth noting.

Tombstones and Gravestones

These terms are essentially synonymous. Both refer to stone markers placed at a grave to identify the deceased. Historically, “tombstone” comes from the word “tomb,” while “gravestone” directly relates to the grave itself. Today, they’re used interchangeably for any stone marker on a grave.

Headstones

A headstone is a specific type of gravestone placed at the head of a grave. It’s typically upright and may be more elaborate than a simple flat marker. Headstones often include the deceased’s name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a brief epitaph or symbol.

Monuments

Monuments are larger, more elaborate structures erected to honor the deceased. They can be individual or family memorials and may include statues, obelisks, or other architectural elements. Monuments are generally more imposing and expensive than standard gravestones or headstones.

Footstones

A footstone is a smaller marker placed at the foot of a grave, opposite the headstone. Footstones are less common in modern cemeteries but were once widely used. They typically contain minimal information, often just the initials of the deceased or a simple “foot” marker. Footstones serve several purposes:

1. Defining grave boundaries: They help clearly mark the extent of an individual grave plot.
2. Easy identification: In older cemeteries with rows of similar headstones, footstones aided in quickly locating specific graves.
3. Complementing headstones: Some families chose to split information between headstones and footstones, with detailed information on the headstone and a simpler marker at the foot.

Key differences

1. Size and elaboration: Monuments are typically larger and more ornate than tombstones, gravestones, or headstones. Footstones are usually the smallest and simplest.
2. Placement: Headstones are placed at the head of a grave, footstones at the foot, while other terms are more general.
3. Information content: Headstones and monuments usually contain the most information, while footstones contain the least.
4. Purpose: While all serve to mark a grave, monuments often have an additional purpose of creating a more significant memorial. Footstones primarily serve practical purposes in grave identification and plot demarcation.

In modern cemeteries, the use of footstones has declined due to maintenance concerns and changing burial practices. However, they remain an interesting part of cemetery history and can still be found in many older graveyards.

In practice, the terms tombstone, gravestone, and headstone are frequently used interchangeably. The choice often depends on regional preferences or personal familiarity with the terms.