And they have nothing to do with any damp problems....
I got side-tracked and meant to go further with my comments. It is not too easy to see in minute detail the pointing on that wall. Looking at picture number 3, it looks as though the pointing has been sloppily applied at some time. In places, there are marks where over generous use of mortar has been used and then removed. In addition, there appears to be separation of mortar from the brick on the lower join of the horizontal pointing. One or two of the vertical pointing around the dark wall stain seem to have separated too.
Last of all, the pattern of the bricks indicates a possible double skin wall without any cavity. Such builds are notorious for damp penetrating. In a house I owned in the 70s we had a similar wall and I had to seal it with a brush applied clear sealant. It worked, but needs refreshing every 5 to 7 years.
My advice is to get 3 professional builders to look at it and tell you what they would do and what price to sort it.
ColinA