EXHIBIT 23

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report, dated January 21, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Independent Bank Corp. incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996, into Independent Bank Corp.'s previously
filed Registration Statements File Numbers 33-13158, 33-27999, 33-50770 and
333-04259.

                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 25, 1997