Exhibit 23




       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We  consent  to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statements
(Form  S-4 No. 33-44271 and Form S-8 No. 33-59866) of Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton
Company and in the related prospectuses of our report dated February 12, 1997,
with  respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule  of  Hilb,
Rogal and Hamilton Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for  the
year ended December 31, 1996.

/s/ Ernst & Young, LLP

Ernst & Young LLP




Richmond, Virginia
March 21, 1997