Hi Doctor D.
In you wrote:

Does anyone know how old my wiring is likely to be? What is the legal
position on earth wires in lighting circuits?

I suspect your wiring dates from the early 1960's. AFAIK rubber insulation
was coming to an end in the 60's.
No earth on the lighting circuits was normal for this period. It is now
mandatory.
It needs replacing urgently I suspect.

I was afraid of that. Any ideas on the cost to rewire 5 light fittings, 7
double sockets, a cooker and a 3kW shower?

Another problem is access. I expect that to do the ceiling lights I would
need to gain access underneath my upstairs neighbours floor. That isn't
likely to come easily.... :-(

--
Fishter
unhook to email me | http://www.fishter.org.uk/
How about never? Is never good for you?