In our property, the fireplace had similarly been replaced and modern plasterboard lining fitted to allow for a wallpaper finish. For years a bulge in the wall, around the fireplace, made me feel a little nervous about what may be going on behind the lining - was the stone wall subsiding? My wife and I originally decided that we would just decorate this room, removing the dado band and giving it a fresh, white coat of paint - curiosity however got the better of me and I had to investigate.