Consent of Independent Auditors



The Board of Directors
Markel Corporation

The Administrative Committee
Markel Corporation Retirement Savings Plan:


We consent to incorporation  by reference in the  registration  statement No.
33-61598 on Form S-8 of Markel  Corporation  of our report dated May 29, 1998
relating to the  statements  of assets  available  for benefits of the Markel
Corporation  Retirement  Savings Plan as of December  31, 1997 and 1996,  the
related  statements of changes in assets available for benefits for the years
then ended and the supplemental  schedules,  which report is included in this
annual report on Form 11-K.

                                                 /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP



Richmond, Virginia
June 26, 1998