 In 1599 additional trees were planted in the Walks , and stairs up to the Walks were also added . When Francis Bacon became treasurer in 1608 more improvements were made , since he no longer had to seek the approval of the Pension to make changes . In September 1608 a gate was installed on the southern wall , and various gardeners were employed to maintain the Walks . The gardens became commonly used as a place of relaxation , and James Howell wrote in 1621 that " I hold [ Gray 's Inn Walks ] to be the pleasantest place about London , and that there you have the choicest society " . 
