Cor Caroli (α Canum Venaticorum, originally known by the more elaborate Cor Caroli Regis Martyris) is the brightest star in the northern constellation Canes Venatici. The name Cor Caroli means Charles' heart, and was named by Sir Charles Scarborough in honour of Charles I, who was executed in the aftermath of the English Civil War, and otherwise associated to Charles II of England, his son, who was restored to the throne after the interregnum following his father's death.