Bricked up fireplace no lintel?

[Yappyyapps]

Hi all,

I’m currently in the process of trying to restore a fireplace (for decorative purposes) in one of the bedrooms of our Victorian Terrace. Now I’ve hacked a load of plaster of the chimney breast, and have located what I believe is the bricked up opening to where the original fireplace was… but there doesn’t appear to be a lintel, or an arch at all? Would it be advisable to have one put in before I start knocking bricks out at the bottom? - Yes I realise that’s a ridiculous question, but just incase I’m missing something I thought I’d ask.

 

[stuart45]

It's an easy job to put a lintel in.

 

[Sam W]

I'd carefully remove one brick from the top of the 'filled in' section and see if there is any support in place. I think there's a good chance you'll find a metal bar acting as a lintel, you can then decide if it's strong enough or whether you need to add an additional lintel.