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It is definitely pre 1920's, 1907 if I remember correctly. Walls are either English bond or English cross bond (will have to check the neighbours' brick pattern tomorrow to confirm) with one, or several layers, of render accumulated over time... I think I will follow your advice and get a good builder to have a go at the plinths and repair render. I will also will to have a good read about DPC... I must confess I have no f... idea of DPCs
frankohara-
Pre- 20s you may have a pitch layer, a slate layer, or, if you're unlucky, none at all.
Solid walls and lime mortar bring their own problems, as they are more permeable than cement walls, and they need to be and to dry out - cement render and gypsum plaster prevent this happening effectively.
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This caught my eye because we had this problem. You really need to address the source of the damp. If you have render bridging the damp proof course outside -- which is surprisingly common and very stupid -- it's an easy fix. We got a building surveyor to look and he figured it out -- he charged a bit but it saved the chemical damp proof treatment which doesn't address the problem.
@TW gives pretty good advice to start with.
Reading that, the first quick & easy fix would be to remove the concrete plinth up that is bridging the damp proof course, and to stick a French drain in there, and strip the render back above the DPC. Then strip the plaster back to brick, and leave it over winter to see if it fixes the problem.
This is what we did 15+ years ago and it has been fine ever since.
edit: also check for cracked or blocked down pipes and drains in the vicinity.
NotThamesWater
Gabeuk
Reading that, the first quick & easy fix would be to remove the concrete plinth up that is bridging the damp proof course, and to stick a French drain in there, and strip the render back above the DPC. Then strip the plaster back to brick, and leave it over winter to see if it fixes the problem.
Someone from mybuilder.com should be able to do that pretty easil in a day or two.
I reckon that mould around cold water pipes is likely due to a small leak, and should be easily fixed (it could be condensation, I suppose).
Chemical injections are woowoo, if you ask me - they appear to be a default solution to all things and anything damp related.
What sort of wall is it? Stretcher bonded (likely a cavity wall, and post-1920s-ish) or stretcher & header bonded (pre-1920s-ish and a solid wall)