Exhibit 23





               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


We have issued our report dated January 20, 2003 (except for note 2 as to which
the date is February 10, 2003 and February 25, 2003) accompanying the
consolidated financial statements included in the 2002 Annual Report of National
Penn Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries on Form10-K for the year ended December
31, 2002. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in
the Registration Statements of National Penn Bancshares, Inc. on Form S-3 (File
No. 333-88536, effective May 17, 2002; File No. 333-87549, effective September
22, 1999 as amended on May 17, 2002; File No.333-04729, effective May 30, 1996,
as amended on September 22, 1999; File No. 33-86094, effective November 7, 1994)
and on Form S-8 (File No. 333-75730, effective December 21, 2001 as amended on
January 7, 2002, File No. 333-60096, effective May 3, 2001, File No. 333-54520
and File No. 333-54556, effective on January 29, 2001; File No. 333-71391,
effective January 29, 1999; File No. 333-27101, File No. 333-27103, and File No.
333-27059, effective May 14, 1997; File No. 33-91630, effective April 27, 1995;
File No. 33-87654, effective December 22, 1994).


/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 27, 2003