Partridge Engineering is providing structural engineering advice to Museums of History NSW for the State Heritage-listed Wentworth Mausoleum in Vaucluse, the 1870s sandstone monument and burial place of William Charles Wentworth. Our work includes assessment of the above-ground structure and subterranean crypt, accessed for the first time in over a century through carefully managed opening of the sealed hatch to protect original finishes. Performing inspection in this long-sealed environment required managing confined space risks, including potential toxic gas accumulation, as well as rare biological hazards associated with historical crypts. Inspections confirmed the crypt is in sound condition, with works focused on preventative conservation, including corrosion protection to original wrought-iron beams and monitoring of minor sandstone cracking. In collaboration with Douglas Partners, we are also tracking movement of the adjoining sandstone boulder to manage long-term geotechnical stability.
