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  <p style="border:none;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;padding:0in;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  
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  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
  COMMISSION</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">TO SECTION&nbsp;13 OR 15(d)&nbsp;OF THE</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): <b>June&nbsp;3, 2008 (June&nbsp;3, 2008)</b></font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">Maryland</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(State or Other Jurisdiction</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">  <font style="letter-spacing:-.15pt;">of Incorporation)</font></font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
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    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">00</font></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1-15319</font></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.0%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">04-3445278</font></b></p>
    </td>
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    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.0%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></p>
    </td>
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    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.0%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
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    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts</font></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.0%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>
    </td>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">02458</font></b></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="2%" valign="bottom" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:2.0%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="49%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:49.0%;">
    <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(Zip Code)</font></p>
    </td>
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  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">617-796-8350</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">(</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Registrant&#146;s
  Telephone Number, Including Area Code)</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Check
  the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
  following provisions:</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160; Written communications
  pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160; Soliciting material pursuant
  to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160; Pre-commencement
  communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17
  CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">o</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160; Pre-commencement
  communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17
  CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <div style="border:none;border-bottom:double windowtext 6.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;">
  
  <p style="border:none;margin:0in 0in .0001pt;padding:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  </div>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <div style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>
  
  </div>
  <!-- SEQ.=1,FOLIO='',FILE='C:\JMS\rmoralec\08-15703-2\task2972972\15703-2-ba-01.htm',USER='rmoralec',CD='Jun  4 09:40 2008' -->
  
  
  <br clear="all" style="page-break-before:always;">
  
  
  <div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 5.03.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Amendments
  to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.</font></b></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On
  June&nbsp;3, 2008, </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Senior
  Housing Properties Trust, or the Company,</font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">
  amended its declaration of trust increasing the number of the Company&#146;s
  authorized shares of beneficial interest from 100,000,000 to 150,000,000.&#160; The Company&#146;s authorized shares are currently
  classified as follows: (i)&nbsp;149,700,000 common shares, $0.01 par value per
  share; and (ii)&nbsp;300,000 junior participating preferred shares, $0.01 par
  value per share.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Other
  Events.</font></b></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">June&nbsp;3,
  2008</font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">, the Company
  priced an underwritten public offering of </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">17,000,000
  </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">common shares of
  beneficial interest.&#160; The Company expects
  to issue and deliver these shares on or about </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">June&nbsp;6,
  2008</font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.&#160; The public offering price was $21.09 per
  share.&#160; The Company expects to use the $342.1
  million of net proceeds of the offering (after estimated expenses and
  underwriters&#146; commissions) for the repayment of borrowings outstanding under
  the Company&#146;s revolving bank credit facility and for general business purposes,
  including funding pending or possible future acquisitions of properties.&#160; The Company also granted the underwriters an
  option to purchase an additional </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2,550,000
  </font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">common shares to cover
  over-allotments, if any.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">A
  prospectus supplement relating to these common shares will be filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission.&#160; This
  Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
  solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
  in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
  to registration of qualification under the securities laws of any such state.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">WARNING CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS</font></b></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">THIS REPORT CONTAINS STATEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD
  LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM&nbsp;ACT
  OF 1995 AND OTHER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE
  COMPANY&#146;S ISSUANCE OF THE COMMON SHARES (INCLUDING THE OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION)
  AND ITS INTENDED USE OF THE PROCEEDS.&#160;
  THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED UPON OUR PRESENT INTENT,
  BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS, BUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO
  OCCUR AND MAY&nbsp;NOT OCCUR.&nbsp; ACTUAL RESULTS MAY&nbsp;DIFFER MATERIALLY
  FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN OR IMPLIED BY OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A
  RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS.&#160; YOU SHOULD
  NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE UPON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.</font></b></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Financial
  Statements and Exhibits</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(d)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Exhibits</font></b></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Underwriting
  Agreement, dated as of </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">June&nbsp;3,
  2008</font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">, between Senior Housing Properties Trust and the underwriters named
  therein relating to the issuance and sale of up to 19,550,000 of the Company&#146;s
  common shares of beneficial interest.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Composite Copy of the Company&#146;s Amended
  and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated September&nbsp;20, 1999, as amended to
  date.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Opinion of
  Venable LLP.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">8.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Opinion of
  Sullivan&nbsp;&amp; Worcester LLP as to tax matters.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.1</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of
  Venable LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">23.2</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consent of
  Sullivan&nbsp;&amp; Worcester LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;8.1).</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2</font></p>
  
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  </div>
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  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></b></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">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 hereunto duly authorized.</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-indent:.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="47%" colspan="3" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:47.2%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="44%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:44.12%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="44%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:44.12%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="44%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:44.12%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ David J. Hegarty</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="6%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:6.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Name:</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="38%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.04%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">David
    J. Hegarty</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td width="52%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:52.8%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="3%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:3.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:6.08%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Title:</font></p>
    </td>
    <td width="38%" valign="top" style="padding:0in .7pt 0in .7pt;width:38.04%;">
    <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">President</font></p>
    </td>
   </tr>
  </table>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 3.75in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">June&nbsp;3, 2008</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  
  <p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3</font></p>
  
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metadata_documents: [{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a08-15703_28k.htm", "description": "8-K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 31040}]
metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST", "cik": "0001075415", "assigned-sic": "6798", "irs-number": "043445278", "state-of-incorporation": "MD", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-15319", "film-number": "08880336"}, "business-address": {"street1": "400 CENTRE STREET", "city": "NEWTON", "state": "MA", "zip": "02458", "phone": "6173323990"}}
text: UNITED STATES
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
  COMMISSION
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  FORM 8-K
  CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
  TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
  June 3, 2008 (June 3, 2008)
  SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST
  (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
  Maryland
  (State or Other Jurisdiction
  of Incorporation)
  00
  1-15319
  04-3445278
  (Commission File Number)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
  400 Centre Street, Newton, Massachusetts
  02458
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Zip Code)
  617-796-8350
  (
  Registrant's
  Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
  Check
  the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
  following provisions:
  o
  Written communications
  pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  o
  Soliciting material pursuant
  to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  o
  Pre-commencement
  communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17
  CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  o
  Pre-commencement
  communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17
  CFR 240.13e-4(c))
  Item 5.03.              Amendments
  to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
  On
  June 3, 2008,
  Senior
  Housing Properties Trust, or the Company,
  amended its declaration of trust increasing the number of the Company's
  authorized shares of beneficial interest from 100,000,000 to 150,000,000.  The Company's authorized shares are currently
  classified as follows: (i) 149,700,000 common shares, $0.01 par value per
  share; and (ii) 300,000 junior participating preferred shares, $0.01 par
  value per share.
  Item 8.01               Other
  Events.
  On
  June 3,
  2008
  , the Company
  priced an underwritten public offering of
  17,000,000
  common shares of
  beneficial interest.  The Company expects
  to issue and deliver these shares on or about
  June 6,
  2008
  .  The public offering price was $21.09 per
  share.  The Company expects to use the $342.1
  million of net proceeds of the offering (after estimated expenses and
  underwriters' commissions) for the repayment of borrowings outstanding under
  the Company's revolving bank credit facility and for general business purposes,
  including funding pending or possible future acquisitions of properties.  The Company also granted the underwriters an
  option to purchase an additional
  2,550,000
  common shares to cover
  over-allotments, if any.
  A
  prospectus supplement relating to these common shares will be filed with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission.  This
  Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
  solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
  in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
  to registration of qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
  WARNING CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
  THIS REPORT CONTAINS STATEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD
  LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
  OF 1995 AND OTHER FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE
  COMPANY'S ISSUANCE OF THE COMMON SHARES (INCLUDING THE OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION)
  AND ITS INTENDED USE OF THE PROCEEDS. 
  THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED UPON OUR PRESENT INTENT,
  BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS, BUT FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO
  OCCUR AND MAY NOT OCCUR.  ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY
  FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN OR IMPLIED BY OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A
  RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS.  YOU SHOULD
  NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE UPON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.
  Item 9.01               Financial
  Statements and Exhibits
  .
  (d)           Exhibits
  1.1
  Underwriting
  Agreement, dated as of
  June 3,
  2008
  , between Senior Housing Properties Trust and the underwriters named
  therein relating to the issuance and sale of up to 19,550,000 of the Company's
  common shares of beneficial interest.
  3.1
  Composite Copy of the Company's Amended
  and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated September 20, 1999, as amended to
  date.
  5.1
  Opinion of
  Venable LLP.
  8.1
  Opinion of
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP as to tax matters.
  23.1
  Consent of
  Venable LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
  23.2
  Consent of
  Sullivan & Worcester LLP (contained in Exhibit 8.1).
  2
  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 hereunto duly authorized.
  SENIOR HOUSING PROPERTIES TRUST
  By:
  /s/ David J. Hegarty
  Name:
  David
    J. Hegarty
  Title:
  President
  Date:
  June 3, 2008
  3