Gap between floorboards and wall in Victorian house - a concern?

[Martinisinvenice]

Hello, I’ve been in my house for a year but have just noticed something - I don’t think it’s a new issue, just not something I’ve paid attention to previously. Basically there is quite a significant gap in the dining room between the floorboards and wall as shown in attached photo. Does this indicate structural issues? It’s a Victorian house.

That looks like an old fireplace wall, if that's a hearth? So those as skirting boards are newish and not original.

Yes I’ve found old photos of the house just now actually and I can see the skirting boards have been added in the last 10 years. Does this mean the floorboards are fine and that the skirting board just weren’t the right size? @hushabybaby

Is it the same gap everywhere or more on one side or area? Are floors level? If gap is only one side and is flush elsewhere then take up a board check for rot underneath

Yes they’ve put it over the hearth/opening of chimney and left a gap.

Have spent most of my life in older houses - the gap may be bigger than usual as the wood has probably contracted due to the heat- see what it looks like through the winter & if you feel it’s necessary then you can use decorators caulk to fill the gap

Its likely there’s a gap because the floorboards are not perfectly even /lack of skill by whoever fitted it

The main concern would be drafts or providing entry for mice (if eg it’s big enough to put a biro through)

Yes new skirting has been attached slightly too high or perhaps there was previously carpet on the floor so there wouldn't have been such a gap