I live in quite an old house, built late 1700’s as canal workers cottages.

The living room and kitchen both have fireplaces, though not used at present and I’m looking to open them back up to use (well definitely the living room one).

upon inspection, it looks like the bricks at the back of the chimney in the fireplace are very loose, the mortar is crumbly and I think if I were to prod them too much they’ll all come crashing down.

So, what’s the best solution for this? do I pull them out or will the chimney collapse?

If I manage to get them free, can I use any old mortar to reline it, or does it have to be a particular blend?

Or do I get someone in who knows what they’re doing? Is it possible that the whole chimney liner may show similar problems? If that’s the case a full inspection/cctv job?

I’ll get the chimney swept and unblocked before I light anything in there, but would initially like to use it as an open fire, later lining the chimney and using a wood burner (I gather wood only open fires can stain the bricks through to the room)

I’d rather get stuff done myself, or the next stage is something any builder can do before paying a premium for a specialist.

Thanks