EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of Meditrust Corporation and/or Meditrust Operating Company on Form S-8 of our
report dated December 1, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Cobblestone Holdings, Inc. included in Meditrust
Corporation and Meditrust Operating Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 13, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
June 22, 1998