1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1




                        Independent Auditor's Consent




       We consent to incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form S-8 of Hancock Holding Company of our report dated January 12, 1996,
which is incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hancock
Holding Company for the year ended December 31, 1995.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 6, 1996