Opening up basement fireplace in 1870s Terraced House

[BigAl1980]

Hi All,

we have started to try restoring our basement fireplace. The plaster come up off real easy, but it now looks like we’ve come across breeze blocks, maybe render or even granite ?

We’ve been told it may not even be a brick fireplace as it’s in the basement.

Before we move forward Any advice on what we could have would be really helpful. Is this an original fireplace and how likely are there bricks back there? We do know the basement was excavated about 20 years ago by about a foot

also any advice on potential hazards from asbestos would be greatly appreciated

thanks !

 

[bobasd]

Its difficult to understand whats going on - stand back and give some context to some pics.
Clear way the rubble and board over the opening.
There appears to be a rusting "Register Plate" - is there a flue & chimney breast above it?
Basements are notorious for damp - is your's damp?