In article , "DIY
Novice" says...
We've got cast-iron fireplaces in each of our 3 bedrooms which have
serveral layers of paint on them which I want to remove.
We've just skimmed the bedroom walls so the fireplaces can't be
removed though we haven't yet painted(or carpeted) so a little mess
isn't such a big issue.

What's the best method of stripping the paint bearing in mind that it
may include lead paint.

Rip them out and take them to a shotblaster. Next time think of it
before you plaster the walls.