What is this cream cotton wool looking stuff inside my chimney flue?!

[Itsnotmycoat]

Anyone know? Just moved and never had a chimney before...

That was the sort of thing that fell down

Are we looking at a dustpan? It just looks like old soot and dirty mortar falling out of an old chimney. Ask around for an experienced chimneysweep, not only to sweep it, but will also be experienced in chimneys and can comment on its condition and any remedial work needed.

Yes sorry it's a dustpan! I've never had a chimney before and it's all making me really concerned 🙈

Echo the advice about getting a good sweep in

I moved into 1860 house a few months ago and wanted to use the fireplace. Found a great chimney sweep who inspected and swept and talked me through how it works, how to set the first fire etc.

Had him back recently to install a wood burner and he did a bit of remedial building work on the chimney stack

Very reassuring to have it properly looked at