Paul Whitehead
Doug, Obviously if the wall is not solid then it will be partition wall. In older properties dividing walls were often brick work but they are not necessarily load bearing. Check upstairs, measure from an outside wall to locate the position upstairs. If the upstairs wall is in the same position then this will need to be supported if the lower part of the wall is removed. Even if there is no wall above, check to see whether it is supporting the ground floors ceiling joists. If the joists are parallel to the wall (floor boards should be at right angles to the wall) and there is no continuation of the wall on the upper floor then you should be ok. Whoever comes round to quote should be able to tell tell you if you are uncertain.
