Exhibit 23.1

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Burlington Industries, Inc. Award Agreement dated June 1,
2000 of our reports  dated  October 28, 1999,  with respect to the  consolidated
financial statements of Burlington Industries, Inc. incorporated by reference in
its  Annual  Report  (Form  10-K) for the year ended  October  2, 1999,  and the
related financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.



Greensboro, North Carolina                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
June 5, 2000