Exhibit 23.2


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Universal  Corporation  Employees' Stock Purchase Plan of
Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated and Designated Affiliated Companies
of our report dated August 7, 1997, with respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements  of Universal  Corporation  included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year  ended  June 30,  1997,  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission.




                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Richmond, Virginia
January 27, 1998