Do we need a lintel-exposing original fireplace in a 1901 house

[AndyTee999]

Hi
We have removed the Gas fire and now in the process of exposing the original fireplace of our 1901 house. We want to install a Log Burner.
We have found what we believe to be a builders Lintel from blocking up the space for the gas fire but struggling to see if we can remove it. We have exposed the original bricked arch. Is this enough natural support to remove the filling bricks?
Can you check out the pictures and any advice would be great.

 

[Doggit]

Take off the plaster, and make sure there are no faults in the chimney breast, and you should then be fine to take out the non original bricks. It looks as though some of the bricks in the arch may be new ones, but that doean't mean that the arch won't hold. Then it'll be a case of sweeping the chimney, deciding on your stove, and whether you're going to get it done proffesionally, or do it yourself under a building control noitice. What's the hearth like.