I did wonder whether this birth might just possibly be the right one ? The Dec Q 1855 matches the age he gave (27) on 8th Nov 1882 on his marriage. And the place of birth is correct.

It may be a red herring, of course. But the birth certificate would show if this baby was illegitimate or not.

England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
about James William Howell Clarke
Name: James William Howell Clarke
Year of Registration: 1855
Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov-Dec
District: Upton Upon Severn
County: Worcestershire
Volume: 6a
Page: 281

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And would you believe that Ancestry have mistranscribed the volume number. The actual image shows it to be:

surname - Clarke
christian names - James William Howell
district - Upton
volume 6c
page 281

So if you do decide to order a certificate, this is the combination you should use.

Jean C