Exhibit 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8, and the related prospectus, pertaining to the Bank of the
Commonwealth Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan and the Bank of the
Commonwealth Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, of our report dated January
12, 2001, with respect to Commonwealth Bankshares, Inc. included in its Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2000, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission

                                       /s/ POTI, WALTON & ASSOCIATES, PC


Richmond, Virginia
January 24, 2002