Exhibit 23.5

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
Webster Financial  Corporation on Form S-4 of our report dated January 20, 1998,
on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Mechanics Savings Bank
and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997,  which report is included in the 1999
Annual Report on Form 10-K of MECH  Financial,  Inc.,  which is  incorporated by
reference  herein.  We also  consent to the  reference  to us under the  heading
"Experts" in such registration statement.

                                         /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Hartford, Connecticut
May 11, 2000