I've just uncovered the brickwork on a fireplace, and unlike the other fireplace, this one does not appear to have a lintel.
Sorry - no photos yet.
What we have is a 2' or so opening, a soldier course of bricks over the opening, then the next course above is normal brick. I haven't uncovered more yet, but am curious. Is this normal?
It is clearly as it was when the house was built and it hasn't fallen down in 50-60 years so it's obviously up to the job.
But I'm not sure how it works... It is a case of the soldier course only needing to support the triangle of brick above?
Cheers
Tim