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 15