The first attempt at settlement in Newcastle failed in 1802 and the settlement, also known as "Kings Town" and "Coal River" was re-established in 1804, providing hard labour for re-offending convicts following the Irish rebellion at Vinegar Hill. The second settlement (1804) was prompted because of the prospect of coal as a vital resource for the Colony. After Newcastle was established as a penal settlement, it remained under Colonial administration until 1823. After this time free settlers were introduced into the settlement. Convicts sent to Newcastle endured harsh living standards, intense manual labour in the coal mines and were under constant surveillance.