Item 8.01 Other Events.

On December 21, 2006, Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

A copy of the press release relating to such announcement, dated December 21, 2006, is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 
(c)
Exhibits.
    
         
   
Exhibit No.
  
Exhibit
         
   
99.1
  
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. Press Release dated December 21, 2006*
         
                                            
   
*Filed herewith
    

 
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


   
WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC.
Date: December 21, 2006
  
By:
/s/ David V. Devault                                                         
     
David V. Devault
     
Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
       




EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.
  
Exhibit
     
99.1
  
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. Press Release dated December 21, 2006*
                                                     
* Filed herewith