FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Elizabeth Eckel, SVP Marketing, 401-348-1309
DATE: September 16, 2004

Washington Trust Cranston Branch to Host Free Seminar for First-Time Homebuyers

Westerly, Rhode Island... The Washington Trust Company and Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation (RIHMFC) will host a free seminar, "First-Time Homebuying Made Easy," on Wednesday, October 13, 2004, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Cranston branch, 645 Reservoir Avenue (corner of Park and Reservoir).

The seminar will explore all aspects of the home purchasing process, including what to expect when buying a home, down payment and closing cost options, the criteria lenders use to examine applicants, and program qualifications. Speakers will include a RIHMFC representative, a Consumer Credit Counseling Service representative, and Alison Medeiros, Washington Trust's Providence branch manager.

Reservations are required to ensure space and course material availability. Attendees will receive the homebuyer's education certificate that is required for RIHMFC financing. For reservations, call The Washington Trust Company, 401-348-1333 or 1-800-2265.

The Washington Trust Company is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including trust and investment management, through its 16 branch offices located in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Founded in 1800, the Bank is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., whose common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.