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 June 11, 1999
  relating to the  statements  of assets  available  for  benefits of the Markel
  Corporation  Retirement  Savings  Plan as of December  31, 1998 and 1997,  the
  related  statements of changes in assets  available for benefits for the years
  then ended, which report is included in this annual report on Form 11-K.





  Richmond, Virginia
  June 28, 1999

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