LONDON — The upcoming NFL game in London presents an opportunity for the participating teams not only to compete but to immerse themselves in the rich historical backdrop of the city.

This weekend, the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars will clash at the iconic Wembley Stadium, yet both franchises are finding unique ways to engage with local history without leaving their training sites.

The Patriots are scheduled to conduct their practice at the prestigious Harrow School on Friday, a location famously associated with Winston Churchill, one of Britain’s most renowned figures. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will train close to the Grove estate in Watford, an area connected to remnants of World War II air raid shelters.

Harrow School spans 324 acres elegantly situated on a hill that overlooks London, where Churchill spent his formative years. He later emerged as a key political leader during the war, serving as the Prime Minister who guided the nation through tumultuous times.

Lee Pollock, a director and senior adviser to the board of the International Churchill Society, encourages the Patriots players to take some time to explore the beautiful grounds if they get the chance. “They’re quite grand,” he remarked, emphasizing the school’s profound historical significance.

Among various notable features is the Speech Room, where a young Churchill famously memorized and recited 1,200 lines from the poem “Lays of Ancient Rome,” earning accolades for his impressive memory.

Pollock shared that during his time at Harrow, Churchill honed his skills in what he termed “the most noble thing in the world: the construction of a sentence in the English language.”

Churchill’s influence extends into American politics and sports alike. Notably, San Diego Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh expressed admiration for him, while Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker referenced Churchill in a social media post celebrating courage, although it’s not uncommon for quotes to be misattributed.

Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, notably displayed a significant portrait of Churchill during his tenure as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, highlighting the enduring respect for Churchill’s leadership and legacy, which includes both commendation and complexity due to his storied past.

The Jaguars’ training site also holds historical significance. In response to the threat of German bombing during the Second World War, the Midland & Scottish Railway relocated its headquarters to the Grove estate in Watford—a strategy known as “Project X.”

Air raid shelters constructed during that period still exist, and while portions have been obscured, urban explorers have shared footage of these historical remnants online. Interestingly, there are records indicating the shelters served as “bat roosts” at one time, illustrating the blend of history and nature.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed a keen interest in learning more about the history of London, despite the busy schedule focused on game preparation. “I do enjoy history and learning about things,” he stated recently. He acknowledged that while they typically focus on winning, the history of London is fascinating, especially given its age compared to America.

Lawrence noted that he picks up snippets of history during their visits and finds it intriguing to learn about the locale’s past. “It’s interesting hearing different things about it,” he added, highlighting the unique cultural experience that accompanies their travel to London.