Is this rising damp or condensation?

[SALL2009]

The is a downstairs cellar, the wall at the back is an external wall and on the right is internal wall.

I know the right hand side has a water mark implying it's rising damp. But this is a internal wall. The other side of the wall is another cellar. The flooring on the other side is old terracotta tile floor.

I took the skirting off and the back of the skirting on all sides was bone dry. The plaster was touching the ground on all sides and I have hacked off a few inches now.

Any input would be helpful.

 

[JohnD]

To identify condensation, tape a piece of clear plastic or clingfilm tightly to the wall. If mist and water droplets appear on the room side, it is condensation. If they appear on the wall side, the wall is wet.

It is normal for cellar walls and floors to be damp.

Look for nearby drains and waterpipes, which often leak in old houses.

It looks to me like the damp is coming from the ground. If you chip off the plaster it will be able to evaporate more easily so the brickwork will be drier. You will need to ventilate away the water vapour.

If you have a wooden floor, lift a few boards and look underneath.

Do not allow anyone who sells silicone injections or creams into your house.

 

[jj4091]

"The plaster was touching the ground on all sides and I have hacked off a few inches now."

That could well have been the problem. Try washing the staining off with diluted bleach then once it has dried try JohnD's suggestion or perhaps that might be better if you did it the other way round.