his nonresidential children

Sounds like a raging case of cainophobia with a large side helping of gnosiophobia.

Men have before hired bravos to transact their crimes, while their own person and reputation sat under shelter.

Geltsdale Forsest is an extensive tract of mountain, forming the south-east portion of Castle Carrock parish, and is a royal forest leased by the Earl of Carlisle. Part of it abounds in birch and alderwoods, and gives rise to the river Gelt, which flows northwards.