CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

      We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
Number 333-41161 (dated November 26, 1997, on Form S-8), Registration Statement
Number 333-43271 (dated December 24, 1997, on Form S-8), and Registration
Statement Number 333-43273 (dated December 24, 1997, on Form S-8) of our report
dated January 21, 1998, on the consolidated financial statements of Medford
Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Medford Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997.


/s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts
March 20, 1998