Director Shareholding

British American Tobacco PLC
11 May 2005



DIRECTORS' SHAREHOLDING



The independent trustee of the British American Tobacco Group Employee Trust
notified the Company on 10 May 2005 that it had on 10 May 2005 released 63,334
British American Tobacco p.l.c. 25p ordinary shares (the "Shares") to Mr P
Adams, a Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c, following Mr Adams'
exercise on 10 May 2005 of options granted under the British American Tobacco
Share Option Scheme.


The options were exercised by Mr Adams at an exercise price of 434.2p each.  On
the same day, he sold 63,334 Shares at a price of 1018.6359p per Share.

Mr Adams has a beneficial interest in 268,400 Shares (including 125,517 Shares
under the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme).


The independent trustee of the British American Tobacco Group Employee Trust
also notified the Company on the same date that it had on 6 May 2005 released:


a)         34,229 British American Tobacco p.l.c. 25p ordinary shares (the
"Shares") to participants in the British American Tobacco Long Term Incentive
Plan; and


b)         21,069 British American Tobacco p.l.c. 25p ordinary Shares (the "
Shares") to satisfy the exercise of options under the Company's share option
scheme.


The participants to whom shares were released are not directors of British
American Tobacco p.l.c.



Following these transactions, the independent trustee of the British American
Tobacco Group Employee Trust holds a total of 22,322,674 Shares.  The following
executive directors, together with other employees, are potential beneficiaries
and are therefore treated as having an interest: Mr P N Adams, Mr P A Rayner and
Mr A Monteiro de Castro.




ENQUIRIES:



Investor Relations:
Ralph Edmondson                   020 7845 1180


Press Office:
David Betteridge / Teresa La Thangue / Emily Brand   020 7845 2888




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