THE discovery of a large fireplace on waste ground has left historians puzzled.

A number of theories have been suggested for the origin of the fireplace, which was found by antiques shop owner Bob Jordan, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Mr Jordan was clearing land next to the castle to make room for a housing development when he discovered the fireplace.

For decades, it had remained hidden by a pile of rubble and rubbish.

He believes it may be connected with a 14th Century friary, which was destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries, which was in nearby Grey Lane.

He said: "It is strange that there is so little of the building left and so little written evidence of it."

"The fireplace seems a bit later than the 14th Century, but the bricks at the back are absolutely ancient."

However, Barnard Castle historian Alan Wilkinson believes the fireplace is too far from the site of the friary to be connected.

He said it could have been a communal fire used by poor residents to cook their meat cheaply.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Building started in that area in the 14th Century, and most of it, having been demolished, was replaced in the 18th Century, and then those buildings were demolished in the thirties and fifites.

"Old street names include Spicecake Lonnen, which could indicate a bakers or communal oven."

Martin Roberts, a historic-buildings inspector from English Heritage, said: "We would be very keen to have a look at this and see whether it has any relationship to the castle.

"It is clearly an important feature in the town."

Mr Jordan said he hoped to incorporate the fireplace into any future development.