The difference(If indeed one really exists) between the English and French
suites of Bach lies more in the story of how they came about, rather than
their musical content!  The title of "English" first appeared on a copy
of the work belonging to Bach's son Johann Christian.  No autograph of
the English Suites survives and this justs adds to the confusion over the
titles.  Also, Bach's first biographer, Johann Nicolaus Forkel, made the
claim that the english" suites were written 'for an Englishman' of rank'.

Nothing musically, in the English Suites, suggests a connection with
English stylistic practices of any sort.  In fact,  the English Suites each
begin with a thoroughly worked prelude which is a trait of suites in the
French national style.  The French Suites, however, are completely without
preludes.  Thus the English Suites exhibit more signs of the French style
than do the French Suites.

As for the French Suites of Bach, it is really not known why they were
named so.  One common belief is that they were named so in order to keep
them a seperate entity from the English set.  As with the English Suites,
it is most likely that the name did not originate with Bach.  I hope I have
given you satisfactory information for your inquiry!

Wes Crone