Anyone know what this could be?

[paulalde]

Evening all

After a year of living in my house I finally decided to clear out the coal cellar section of my cellar. Amongst many things the previous owner left in there I've bagged 19 rubble sacks of coal, found a sizeable stash of porn videos and magazines, and come across the following connected to the floorboards above.

Untitled

• paulalde
• 2 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• paulalde
• 2 Jan 2015
• 1

I live in a late 1800s stone back to back and my full cellar is actually underneath the house at the back of me. So whatever this is it's connected to their floor. This section of the cellar hasn't been touched in years by the looks of it and although the pictures look messy it's only the ceiling plaster coming away the joists/boards are solid and damp free.

I'd eventually like to make use of the cellar and membrane it out but whatever this is could get in the way.

I know the easiest thing would be to ask the neighbour but I'd at least like to have an idea of what it could be before approaching them.

Thanks all

 

[cajar]

could it be an old ash bin (for an open fire?)

 

[flameport]

Safe or strongbox set flush into the floor above.

 

[frosty149]

I agree with the ash pit idea, assuming it's under a fireplace above(there doesn't seem to be much supporting masonry though)?
Could be a coal scuttle? (Adjacent to a fireplace above)
Could be a safe ....... (more porn??!!)
Does it have any access doors out of picture, is there a fireplace above?