Bizarre RSJ

[DavidO]

I’d be very interested in opinions on this RSJ in a botched half completed renovation which I’m considering? It looks like an old railway line to me? Whilst it appears to be supporting another RSJ which supports the floor above I’m questioning whether it was actually originally intended to tie the gable wall which it attaches to at the other end? But is it actually doing anything…or perhaps doing more harm than good because of its weight?