I think headstone is being used in two different ways. For the miners killed when the headstone fell on them, it looks as though it is the roof of the working that has collapsed and killed them, as suggested by David. However, for the miners who fell down the shafts, I'd guess it refers to the landing for the coal that had just been wound up the shaft. This suggests that the miners involved in this type of accident were banksmen on the surface. I've not come across this term for the pithead, but it seems to make sense, at least to me.
David Poyner
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: 16 June 2009 10:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Headstones
In 'English Rock Terms' by Arkell & Tomkeieff, one definition of 'head' is:
'Subaerial detritus coating the surface of the rocks, especially in Devon
and Cornwall. Cf head on beer. First recorded 1839 (de la Beche, Report
on Cornwall, &c., 432)'
Like other contributors to this thread, I don't know whether this helps or
not.
Stafford
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