The theological seminary in Stellenbosch

The Dutch Reformed Church's theological seminary was built on the site of the old local government building in Stellenbosch. The original building was erected in 1686, but it burned to the ground in 1762. Its replacement was built in the Cape Dutch style and served as a municipal building until 1827.

Only in 1859 did the Dutch Reformed Church convert the site into a seminary - which begs the question... what happened between 1827 and 1859? Please leave a comment if you happen to know! :)