1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of Hancock Holding Company on Form S-4 of the report of Deloitte &
Touche dated January 14, 1994, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Hancock Holding Company for the year ended December 31, 1993
and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement, which is part of this Registration Statement.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP    
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
October 27, 1994