That's not VIR, it looks like a 3-core flex from the 1930s, when brown was the correct colour for earth in a flex (yes, you read that right). It was probably part of a light fitting and is jointed into the newer house wiring in a junction box above the ceiling.
If the colours are as they would have been 80 years ago, red=line, black=neutral, brown=earth but I wouldn't assume anything. Light fittings were rarely earthed then so the brown might be unconnected, or it could be a second line if there were two switches for different levels of light. The cable may be perished where you can't see it, so should be replaced. If there is much of it, I will cover your cost to post it to us for the museum.