The painting is called Whitby Beacon and depicts a large, triangular wooden structure, probably intended as a warning to coastal shipping.

The painting, by Edward Duncan snr, is in the possession of Dr Bill Linnard, who said it was one of several that had belonged to a late friend of his called Philip Jenkins who died in Nairobi.

Dr Linnard, of Cardiff, who emailed the picture to the Whitby Gazette, said: "Philip's widow Edith, who is African, sent me four paintings that had belonged to Philip's father, who was a noted private art collector, for me to sell on her behalf because she needs the money.

"The paintings are by Victorian father and son artists both named Edward Duncan.

"They are watercolours, three of them of scenes in South Wales.

"The fourth is quite different.

"It's a striking and atmospheric picture of Whitby Beacon by Edward Duncan snr who was born in 1803 and died in 1882.

"He was the best of a large and talented family of artists."

Dr Linnard has now sold the paintings of the South Wales scenes and said: "The painting of the beacon really belongs in Whitby.

"Ideally it should be in a museum, heritage centre or art gallery where it can be appreciated by both local residents and visitors to the town."

The painting measuring 15 by 24 centimetres, has been fully authenticated and framed.

The Whitby Gazette's own archives have no information on the mystery beacon and keeper of Whitby Musuem, Mark Edwards says he too knows nothing about it.

Mr Edwards said: "I don't know where it would have been placed.

"There was almost certainly one at the top of Skelder, that's the highest point out of the town. The next one is over at Danby.

"Personally, I've never seen a reference to it but that doesn't mean there wasn't one.

"It's very interesting."

* Anyone interested in the picture should call Dr Linnard on 02920 843200 or email: billlinnard@aol.com

Can you shed any light on Whitby's mystery beacon?

Call chief reporter Alex Fredman on (01947) 829911 or comment on this story below.