Alastair Cook made it back-to-back centuries with a gritty, yet magnificent 152*. However, Captain Cook was overshadowed by a record-breaking innings from Ben Stokes.
Stokes 85-ball century is the fastest Test century at Lords and the second fastest Test century by an Englishman beating Gilbert Jessop's 76-ball effort against Australia in 1902.
The day started poorly for England as Ian Bell attempted a drive against Tim Southee but could only feather an edge to stand-in wicketkeeper Tom Latham for 29.
The dismissal brought Joe Root to the crease and a TV replay spared an early dismissal for the Yorkshireman. Root clipped a Trent Boult delivery to Corey Anderson at short mid-wicket who appeared to have taken a clean catch. However, TV replays showed that the ball had hit the ground and Root was reprieved.
Root and Cook subsequently combined for a 158-run partnership that led England out of danger. The duo batted positively and put pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, especially spinner Mark Craig, ensuring the spinner was unable to settle into a spell and putting pressure on the Blackcaps expertly.
For the second time in the match, however, Root was dismissed short of a deserved century as he hooked a short delivery from Matt Henry to Boult at fine leg for a fine 84. Despite another superb, momentum changing innings, Root will be annoyed at falling for an obvious trap.
When Root was dismissed, Cook was on 98. When Stokes was dismissed, 132 runs later, Cook was on 122, such was the domination by Stokes.
Stokes marked his early intent with three consecutive boundaries against Matt Henry. When the new ball was taken, Stokes had 29 from 36 deliveries.
The new ball would be crucial to any result in the game as quick New Zealand wickets would set up a victory for the tourists. However, Stokes decided attack was the best form of defence, taking 12 from Southee's second over with the new ball. Southee would go on to concede 53 in his six overs with the new ball.
Stokes' fifty came in the 86th over 57 balls and included nine fours. Seven overs later, Stokes had his hundred. The record-breaking innings included 15 fours and three sixes.
Stokes was ultimately dismissed for 101, attempting to slog sweep Mark Craig but only able to edge to slip.
Jos Buttler was dismissed cheaply, for 14, edging a Matt Henry delivery behind before Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook saw England reach the close of play on 429/6, a lead of 295.
England have been notably more aggressive with the bat thus far at Lords and day 5 will tell whether they intend to continue that aggressive trend with an early declaration.