EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement, filed on Form S-8 for the
Independent Bank Corp. 1997 Stock Option Plan, of our report dated January 19,
2001 included in Independent Bank Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.



Boston, Massachusetts                           /S/ JOEL F. SHAMON
February 12, 2002                               -------------------------------
                                                Joel F. Shamon
                                                Arthur Andersen LLP