EXHIBIT 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors
Somerset Hills Bancorp:

We consent to the use of our report dated September 6, 2002, with respect to the
consolidated balance sheets of Somerset Hills Bancorp and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then
ended, included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the prospectus.

Our report refers to the fact that the Company has restated its consolidated
financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000.

/s/ KPMG LLP
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KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
November 8, 2002