Removing Limestone Fireplace

I am looking to remove this fireplace that was in when I bought the house. The problem is I wanted to remove it and re-use it in another house.

It is pretty solid and has no movement in it at all, I have tried to cut round the top piece of the seal to see if that would help and it doesn't appear to.

I was wondering what the correct method would be for removing the fireplace, or is it simply a case of having to break it off the wall? All I can see that holds it together is some sort of strong bond, maybe there are hidden fixings but I cannot see where.

Any ideas or tips would be appreciated.

There could be hidden fixings under the plaster down the sides. The top as you suspect could be bonded to the sides - Hell of a weight there !!

Gently tap down the sides of the fireplace to see if you can find the fixings. There (should) be at least 1 fixing either side that screwed into the wall, and then plastered over. Then you'll need to chip around the fireplace to break the seal of the plaster.

How?

With great care and 2 people.

Nige F you were absolutely right, there were two fittings embedded in the plaster holding the top section in.

Once I had used a multi tool and a long knife to separate the bond between the fireplace and the wall, which took some time, it all lifted away in two pieces quite easily. It was bloody heavy though and definitely needed two people.