Exhibit 23.1 [Letterhead of Clifford Chance] 22 September 1998 Terra Nova (UK) Holdings plc Terra Nova House Mincing Lane London EC3R 7AP Dear Sirs: Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement We consent to the reference to Clifford Chance within Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Forms F-4 and S-4 of the Terra Nova Insurance (UK) Holdings plc and Terra Nova (Bermuda) Holdings Limited. Registration numbers 333- 53999 and 333-53999-01 (the "Amendment") and within the Prospectus contained therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States. Yours faithfully /s/ Clifford Chance Clifford Chance