EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in  Post-effective  Amendment No. 1
to the  Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-62135) of HRPT Properties Trust
and in the  related  Prospectus;  in the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-3 No.
333-56051)  of HRPT  Properties  Trust  and in the  related  Prospectus;  in the
Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-86593) of HRPT Properties Trust and in
the  related  Prospectus;  and in  the  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3  No.
333-47815) of HRPT Properties Trust and in the related Prospectus, of our report
dated  October 10, 2002,  with respect to the  statement of revenues and certain
operating  expenses of Centre Square,  of our report dated August 30, 2002, with
respect to the statement of revenues and certain operating expenses of Unisource
Energy  Tower,  and of our report  dated  August 30,  2002,  with respect to the
statement of revenues and certain  operating  expenses of Highland Place II, all
included in this Form 8-K.




                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                   Ernst & Young LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
October 23, 2002