EXHIBIT 23.2


                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

                          Independent Auditors Consent
                          ----------------------------


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated January 25, 2001, except for Note 15, as to which the
date is February 21, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
of Lamar Capital Corporation included in the Registration Statement (Form S-4)
and related Prospectus of Hancock Holding Company for the registration of shares
of its Series A 8% Convertible Preferred Stock, $20.00 par value and Common
Stock underlying Series A, 3.33 par value.



                                                            ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Jackson, Mississippi
May 2, 2001