Cement mounds inside fireplace

[shaun40]

Hi
I've removed a fireplace in preparation for installing a stove and in the corners of the cavity there are 2 cement mounds as in the photo. Does anyone know what purpose they serve and if it will matter if they are chiseled out?
Thanks
Shaun

 

[KenGMac]

shaun40, good evening.

There are a few reasons i can conjecture

1/. The cement was used as a support for "something" to rest upon, down side to that is that there are no scuff marks on the top surface of the cement to indicate that this conjecture is valid.

2/. As some sort of preventative measure to stop rising damp [assuming this is a ground floor fireplace?] there is a white residue on the rear wall of the fireplace at the junction of the cement and the bricks of the Flue

3/. There appears to be a distinct gap, between the cement and the front upright of the fireplace? or it may be a shadow? caused by the flash of the camera, If it is a gap? is there any soot in it?

Sorry no definitive answer, just more questions.

Ken.

 

[vinn]

If you take it easy then just chisel them out.

 

[shaun40]

Thank you Ken and Vinn for you replies. One theory I had was that they reduced the space in the corners behind the fireplace in an attempt to improve the air draft through the fire. In any case from these replies I feel confident in being able to remove them.