Open Fire Refitting

[silverside]

I have had an open fire from 1972 when the house was built until 8 years ago when a gas fire was fitted. Gas fire now removed.
What determines the necessity to have a chimney flue liner fitted now I want to return to an open fire. Is it a recent regulation or an expert opinion of the state of the chimney. The gas fire was regularly inspected under my BG maintenance contract.
Thank you

[The Builder]

I guess your original 1972 liner is still there. There shouldn't be any need to do anything. If it's been regularly tested for gas, then it should be fine for solid fuel again.
For 1972, it's quite possibly only a 7"(175mm) diameter clay flue. In which case, it was probably only intended for use with a standard fireback and a small coal grate. Well worth checking the diameter though. It may be bigger, so you could have a larger grate, more suitable for logs if you want to use them.

If only a 7" flue, then you would possible be better off having a woodburner, or some other enclosed fire fitted. Much more efficient without too much heat disappearing up the chimney. A w/burner projecting into the room looks good too.

[silverside]

Thanks for your help Mr.Builder on the Open Fire Refitting. The advice was extremely helpful and has made the impending job less of a problem than I had perhaps anticipated.
Regards