Fireplace reconstruction

This is not intended as an instructional video. It just documents my project of opening up an old fireplace which had been previously blocked up for use with a 70's gas fire. The project was to open up the fireplace for decorative purposes and install a lintel for security. The fireplace was later rendered and painted internally and the walls plastered.
Several people have requested an update on this project so, if you'd like to see how it turned out, take a look at • An update on fireplace...