The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word TOMBS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
O
M
B
S
More clues leading to the result TOMBS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Monuments" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case monuments = tombs.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TOMBS mean?
TOMBS noun- A small building (or "vault") for the remains of the dead, with walls, a roof, and (if it is to be used for more than one corpse) a door. It may be partly or wholly in the ground (except for its entrance) in a cemetery, or it may be inside a church proper or in its crypt. Single tombs may be permanently sealed; those for families (or other groups) have doors for access whenever needed.
- A pit in which the dead body of a human being is deposited; a grave.
- One who keeps secrets.
- To bury.