Exhibit 23.3


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



          We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the proxy statement/prospectus that is part of the United Bankshares, Inc.
Registration Statement (Form S-4) for the registration of 2,207,228 shares of
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 16, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
of United Bankshares, Inc. and subsidiaries incorporated by reference in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                    /s/  Ernst & Young, LLP



Charleston, West Virginia
September 10, 2001