EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement of
Hancock  Holding  Company  on Form S-8 of our report  dated  January  15,  1997,
incorporated  by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hancock  Holding
Company for the year ended  December  31, 1996 and to the  reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, which is a part of this
Registration Statement.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
May 5, 1997